Therapeutic lamellar keratectomy in the management of nontuberculous Mycobacterium keratitis refractory to medical treatments.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterium keratitis is characterized by its indolent course and poor response to antibiotic drugs. Between November 1989 and September 1993, 10 eyes diagnosed to have nontuberculous Mycobacterium keratitis underwent therapeutic lamellar keratectomy in conjunction with fortified topical medications. Nine operated eyes (90%) recovered with a shortened course and healed with an inactive scar. Six patients (60%) achieved a visual acuity of 20/40 or better postoperatively. For recalcitrant nontuberculous Mycobacterium keratitis, therapeutic lamellar keratectomy is highly recommendable for patients with intractable paracentral or peripheral ulcer, for uncompliant patients, for patients who cannot tolerate drug-induced ocular toxicity, or when penetrating keratoplasty is to be reserved for late rehabilitation of the eye.