Mycobacterium keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis.
OBJECTIVE
The authors report two cases of Mycobacterium keratitis following LASIK.


METHODS
The case reports are based on a retrospective review of clinical history and associated findings.


RESULTS
Two patients developed infectious keratitis after undergoing laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). In case #1, the infection developed after manipulation of the lamellar flap to remove epithelium from the stromal bed. In case #2, prior radial keratotomy may have been a contributing factor to development of the infection. Corneal infiltrates appeared as focal, white, stromal deposits. Cultures isolated Mycobacterium fortuitum from case #1 and Mycobacterium chelonae from case #2. Topical fortified amikacin, clarithromycin, tobramycin, and ciprofloxacin eventually controlled the infection. Topical prednisolone acetate and bandage contact lenses were necessary to control inflammation and pain. Infiltrates were slow to resolve until focal necrosis eroded through the flaps leading to rapid clearing of the infiltrates; however, scarring of the cornea developed at the site of necrosis. Visual recovery was good in the first case but limited in the second.


CONCLUSIONS
Mycobacterium keratitis complicating LASIK may be difficult to eradicate until the sequestered stromal infiltrate drains. Rapid recognition of the causative organism and aggressive medical and surgical management of the infection may improve the outcome.
Gelender
H
H
Cornea Associates of Texas, Dallas 75231, USA. hgelender@medsynergies.com
Carter
H L
HL
Bowman
B
B
Beebe
W E
WE
Walters
G R
GR
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003315:Cornea / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009165:Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D016926:Mycobacterium chelonae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D019907:Mycobacterium fortuitum / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014945:Wound Healing
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions