Diffuse lamellar keratitis associated with carboxymethylcellulose sodium 1% after laser in situ keratomileusis

Michael A Samuel1, Stephen C Kaufman, Jason A Ahee

  • 1Eye Care Services, Henry Ford Health System, 2799 West Grand Boulevard K10, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.

Insights

Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 1% (Celluvisc) used during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery was strongly linked to diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK). Most cases of DLK developed post-surgery and resolved with corticosteroid treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Corneal Surgery
  • Ophthalmic Surgery

Background:

  • Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive surgery.
  • Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) is a known complication of LASIK.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Celluvisc use and DLK development.
  • To determine if carboxymethylcellulose sodium 1% increases DLK risk.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case series of 30 eyes from 15 patients.
  • Reviewed postoperative outcomes for LASIK patients using Celluvisc.
  • Analyzed incidence and severity of DLK.

Main Results:

  • 80% of eyes using Celluvisc developed DLK.
  • Most DLK cases were diagnosed on postoperative day 1.
  • Stage 1 DLK occurred in 66.7% of affected eyes.

Conclusions:

  • Celluvisc used immediately before keratectomy is highly associated with DLK.
  • Intense topical corticosteroids effectively treated DLK.
  • Further research may be needed to confirm causality.
Abstract

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