Recurrent herpes simplex keratitis after verteporfin photodynamic therapy for corneal neovascularization.

PURPOSE: To report a case of recurrent herpes simplex keratitis after verteporfin photodynamic therapy for corneal neovascularization.

METHODS

A 69-year-old man who had lipid keratopathy with corneal neovascularization secondary to herpes simplex keratitis in the right eye and who was treated with topical steroid received photodynamic therapy with verteporfin. Six neovascular areas in the cornea were treated consecutively to occlude new vessels and reduce the risk of allograft rejection after subsequent keratoplasty.

RESULTS

Three days after verteporfin photodynamic therapy, there was evidence of vascular occlusion. However, a herpetic epithelial ulcer was detected in the cornea. Ten days after treatment, the lesion progressed to a geographic ulcer. After topical and systemic acyclovir treatment, the lesion healed. Five months after treatment, penetrating keratoplasty and postoperative antiviral prophylaxis were performed. During a follow-up period of 12 months, the graft remained clear with visual acuity of 20/40.

CONCLUSION

Herpes simplex keratitis can recur after verteporfin photodynamic therapy for corneal neovascularization.