Candida parapsilosis keratitis following treatment of epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To present a case of Candida parapsilosis following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review.

RESULTS

A case report of a 51-year-old woman who underwent bilateral LASIK is presented. Two weeks after the procedure, the patient presented with epithelial ingrowth OD. The ingrowth was treated with flap lifting and scraping, followed by postoperative antibiotics. Four weeks later, the patient presented with numerous interface infiltrates. Smears were positive for yeast forms and cultures grew Candida parapsilosis. Administration of topical and systemic antifungal therapy resulted in clearing of the infection with partial visual recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of a post-LASIK Candida parapsilosis keratitis. A high degree of suspicion coupled with rapid and appropriate treatment can result in visual recovery.