Bacterial keratitis following lasik procedure for hyperopia

Abstract EN

A 42 year old Bahraini man had uneventful laser in situ keratomileusis (lasik) for hyperopia (RE + 3.00 / + 0.75 x 155, LE + 2.00 / + 0.50 x 155) by Chiron Automated lVIicrokeratome with Chi ron Tedmolas 116 Excimer laser machine, three weeks later he presented with right localised keratitis at the flap margin with stroma l oedema.

Unaided right VA was 6/24 with no improvement with pinhole, and left unaid ed vision was 616.

Corneal smear culture showed a positive growth of Staphylococcus aureus.

He was immediately treated with sub-conj unctival Gentamycin and intensive topical Otloxacin 0.3% with systen1ic Cephalosporin.

Patient recovered from keratitis within two weeks and unaided right V A improved to 6 / 6.

Ker·atitis after lasik should be treated promptly so it may not lead to permanent r·eduction in VA