Late onset diffuse lamellar keratitis as a result of the toxic effect of Ecballium elaterium herb.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of late onset diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) 11 months after LASIK due to Ecballium elaterium exposure.


METHODS
A 25-year-old man underwent bilateral LASIK. No complications were observed during the early postoperative period.


RESULTS
Eleven months after LASIK surgery, grade II DLK was diagnosed after an Ecballium elaterium herb seed burst and splashed into the patient's left eye. Topical steroid treatment was administered and DLK healed in 2 weeks without complication.


CONCLUSIONS
Although DLK typically develops in the early postoperative period, it could occur months after surgery. Treatment should begin as soon as DLK is diagnosed.
Koçak
Ibrahim
I
Department of Ophthalmology, Nisa Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. ikocak@ttnet.net.tr
Karabela
Yunus
Y
Karaman
Mehmet
M
Kaya
Faruk
F
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology*; D028462:Cucumis / Q000737:chemistry*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry*; D013997:Time Factors
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010936:Plant Extracts