A Rare Devastating Complication of Lasik: Bilateral Fungal Keratitis


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Sekeroglu H. T., ERDEM E., YAR K., YAĞMUR M., ERSÖZ T. R., UĞUZ A.

JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume:
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Doi Number: 10.1155/2010/450230
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Purpose. To report an unusual case of severe bilateral fungal keratitis following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Method. A 48-year-old man developed bilateral diffuse corneal infiltration two weeks after LASIK. The corneal scrapings revealed fungal filaments but cultures were negative. Results. The corneal ulceration was improved on the left eye whereas spontaneous perforation occurred and finally evisceration was needed on the right eye despite topical and systemic antifungal treatment. Conclusions. Fungal keratitis, especially with bilateral involvement, is a very rare and serious complication of LASIK surgery. Clinical suspicion is crucial because most of fungal keratitis are misdiagnosed as bacterial keratitis and can lead serious visual results, even eye loss.