Delayed sterile keratitis following radial keratotomy requiring corneal transplantation for visual rehabilitation.
Delayed keratitis is an unusual complication of radial keratotomy surgery. A case of documented sterile keratitis involving four adjacent nasal incisions occurred 34 months following a 16-incision radial keratotomy procedure. Multiple cultures and biopsies failed to show a pathogen. The keratitis was confined to the incisional area without involvement of the intervening stroma. A penetrating keratoplasty was necessary to restore useful vision. Clinical and pathological studies documented delayed corneal wound healing.
Geggel
H S
HS
Virginia Mason Clinic, Cornea Department, Seattle, Wash. 98111.
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology; D015715:Corneal Edema / Q000209:etiology; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D007646:Keratotomy, Radial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014945:Wound Healing