Delayed microbial keratitis following radial keratotomy.

BACKGROUND

We report on the case of a 46-year-old female who presented with delayed microbial keratitis 10 years after uncomplicated radial keratotomy.

METHODS

The pre- and postoperative clinical record was reviewed following her presentation to the Corneal Clinic. Slit-lamp examination revealed a stromal inflammatory infiltrate at the site of an earlier radial keratotomy incision. The lesion was scraped and a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus was cultured in enrichment broth.

RESULTS

The keratitis was treated successfully with combination fortified topical antibiotics without loss of vision.

CONCLUSIONS

Although microbial keratitis is a well documented complication of incisional refractive procedures, it is rarely encountered as late as one decade after surgery. Patients should be warned of this possibility and the need for prompt treatment.