Contact lens induced Pseudomonas keratitis following descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty.

UNLABELLED: To report a case of bandage contact lens induced infectious keratitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa following DSAEK.

CASE REPORT: A 56-year-old female who underwent DSAEK at our institute for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, developed contact lens induced keratitis in the fifth post operative week. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) reduced to perception of light in the left eye. Slit lamp examination revealed an epithelial ulcer measuring 4.7mm×6mm with surrounding infiltrates in the anterior stroma with hypopyon. The interface was clear. The corneoscleral rim culture of the donor tissue showed no growth on bacterial and fungal culture ruling out the possibility of donor-to-host transmission of infection. Microbiological evaluation identified the causative agent to be Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Based on culture and sensitivity report patient was started on hourly instillation of topical polymyxin B 20,000IU and fortified ceftazidime 5%. A response to treatment was noted and there was a complete resolution of keratitis with residual scarring.

DISCUSSION: There have been case reports suggesting a host to donor transmission of infection which manifests during the postoperative period. To the best of our knowledge there are no reports of bandage contact lens associated Pseudomonas keratitis in a case that has undergone DSAEK. The prolonged use of bandage contact lens, lens contamination, stagnation of tear film behind the lens, compromised ocular surface and post operative use of topical steroids can contribute to infectious keratitis in DSAEK cases.