Infectious keratitis after laser epithelial keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To report two cases of infectious keratitis occurring after laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK).

METHODS

Two patients who underwent LASEK were referred to our center for the management of postoperative infectious keratitis. Infection occurred on postoperative days 2 (case 1) and 5 (case 2). Presenting visual acuity was count fingers in both cases.

RESULTS

Patients were treated aggressively with hourly topical broad-spectrum fortified antibiotics after corneal scrapings were obtained. Culture was positive for Staphylococcus aureus in case 2. Both eyes responded to treatment, resulting in residual corneal scarring with reduced best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 in case 1 and uncorrected visual acuity of 20/25 in case 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Infectious keratitis can occur after LASEK surgery, and early diagnosis and aggressive therapy are required to aser ereduce visual loss.