Late corneal scarring after photorefractive keratectomy concurrent with development of systemic lupus erythematosus.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of late-onset corneal haze following previous photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) concurrent with the development of systemic lupus erythematosus.


METHODS
Single case report and review of medical literature.


RESULTS
A 41-year-old woman underwent uneventful bilateral, non-simultaneous photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with retreatment of the right eye after 1 year. Two months after retreatment, the patient presented with headaches and mental status changes and was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. Severe reticular corneal scarring developed in the right eye 1 year after retreatment. After the patient's disease was well controlled on a maintenance dose of hydroxychloroquine 200 mg twice a day, mechanical debridement was performed on the right cornea with a marked decrease in corneal haze and improved best spectacle-corrected vision.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients who manifest with autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus may be at greater risk for developing dense, reticular corneal scars after PRK.
Cua
Irwin Y
IY
Pepose Vision Institute, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA.
Pepose
Jay S
JS
D000328:Adult; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D003646:Debridement; D005139:Eyeglasses; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014792:Visual Acuity