Bacterial keratitis after [correction of following] laser in situ keratomileusis.
OBJECTIVE
The development of bacterial keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) has been described in only a few isolated cases. We report the development of bacterial keratitis as a postoperative complication of LASIK in three subjects.


METHODS
A retrospective interventional small case series.


METHODS
Three patients who underwent LASIK for correction of myopia during July and August 1998 and had bacterial keratitis develop after surgery.


METHODS
Bacterial keratitis was encountered in the operated eyes between 1 and 22 days after surgery. Topical antibiotic therapy was administered. In one eye, which had significant opacification and irregularity of the flap was developed, lamellar keratoplasty was performed.


METHODS
Postoperative inflammation was followed clinically and photographically until it resolved. Visual acuity was measured at intervals throughout the follow-up period.


RESULTS
Keratitis resolved within 3 to 16 days of starting antibiotic therapy. The final best-corrected visual acuities were 20/30, 20/15, and 20/25.


CONCLUSIONS
Although infectious keratitis after LASIK is an infrequently reported event, it should be discussed preoperatively with patients as a possible complication.
Levartovsky
S
S
Department of Ophthalmology, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel.
Rosenwasser
G
G
Goodman
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003315:Cornea / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents