The treatment of Pseudomonas keratoscleritis after pterygium excision.

PURPOSE

To assess the effect of intensive topical and intravenous antibiotics plus oral prednisolone and surgical debridement in Pseudomonas keratoscleritis after pterygium excision.

METHODS

We describe three cases of P. aeruginosa-induced keratoscleritis occurring 10 days to 18 months after uncomplicated pterygium excision. Treatment included early conjunctival debridement, topical and intravenous antibiotics, and low-dosage oral prednisolone.

RESULTS

All three patients responded to the combined therapy. Microorganisms were eliminated, and ulcers were healed within 8 weeks. Treatment was not extended beyond that, and infection did not recur. No evisceration was required. The patients' best corrected visual acuities are 20/200, 20/400, and 20/120, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis and prompt, intensive medical and surgical treatment may save a patient's vision and forestall evisceration.