J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2003 Mar;44(3):760-766.

TWo Cases of Mycobacterium Chelonae Keratitis at the Interface after Laser in Situ Keratomileusis

• Jun BS
• Jun RM
• Kim EK

Abstract

PURPOSE
To describe two cases of bacterial keratitis with Mycobacterium chelonae after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) METHODS: Two cases of non-tuberculous mycobacterial keratitis occurred in the interface between flap and stromal bed 8 and 15 days after LASIK. In both cases, we documented acid fast bacilli in intraoperative staining of the interfacial lesion and confirmed them with microbial culture. Appropriate medical therapies were followed. RESULTS: Mycobacterium chelonae were incubated in both cases. In the first case, stromal infiltration improved after 2 months of medical therapy, but in the course of tapering antibiotics, infiltration was reaggravated. Removal of the flap resulted in the improvement. In the second case which were developed in both eyes, stromal infiltration was much severe and poorly responded to medical therapy with more frequent initial postoperative steroid use. CONCLUSIONS: Mycobacterium chelonae should be considered as one of the causes of keratitis after LASIK and topical steroid may aggravate clinical course. Long-term medical treatment with oral and topical antibiotics for more than 2 months, and even excision of the flap may be required to control the infection.

Keyword

Infection; Keratitis; Laser in situ keratomileuis; Mycobacterium

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Keratitis*
Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ*
Mycobacterium chelonae*
Mycobacterium*
Anti-Bacterial Agents