title: Late onset diffuse lamellar keratitis associated with an epithelial defect in six eyes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report six cases of late onset diffuse lamellar keratitis associated with epithelial defects 2 to 12 months following uncomplicated laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The interface inflammation and epithelial defects were treated aggressively with topical corticosteroids and topical antibiotics with complete resolution over 1 to 2 weeks. There were no complications or loss of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. These cases illustrate new understanding in the etiology of diffuse lamellar keratitis following lamellar surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Late onset diffuse lamellar keratitis in association with epithelial defects may occur following LASIK. Treatment with topical antibiotics and topical corticosteroids may result in uncomplicated, complete resolution.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305, USA.
authors: W W
authors: WW
authors: Haw
authors: E E
authors: EE
authors: Manche
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002939:Ciprofloxacin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015242:Ofloxacin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014985:Xerophthalmia
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D002939:Ciprofloxacin; D011239:Prednisolone; D015242:Ofloxacin