Sterile peripheral keratitis following laser in situ keratomileusis.
BACKGROUND
Sterile infiltrates have been reported as a possible complication following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). They have not been reported following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). We review a case of fleeting, sterile peripheral corneal infiltrates following LASIK.


METHODS
A 53 year old patient developed peripheral, sterile corneal infiltrates along the edge of the primary flap following LASIK. This was successfully managed with topical antibiotics and corticosteroids without permanent sequelae.


RESULTS
Sterile peripheral corneal infiltrates are now a known complication following LASIK. Pathogenesis is undetermined but may involve activation of marginal keratitis reminiscent of that following blepharitis or a mechanism similar to acute subepithelial infiltrative keratitis following PRK.


CONCLUSIONS
Fleeting, sterile peripheral corneal infiltrates can occur following LASIK. This undesired complication is poorly characterized but can be successfully managed with culturing of the infiltrates, topical corticosteroids, and antibiotics.
Haw
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Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305, USA.
Manche
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EE
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001762:Blepharitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D014792:Visual Acuity