Case summary: A 29-year-old man presenting with limbal injection and pain in both eyes after femtosecond laser assisted LASIK was referred to our clinic. Multiple marginal corneal infiltrates were observed, accompanied by conjunctival congestion. The infiltrates appeared to be progressing despite local eye clinic treatments, which included flap lifting and irrigation, and alcohol soaking for suspected ingrowth of corneal epithelial cells. We initiated a treatment consisting of steroid eye solution and ointment, antibiotics, and artificial tears in each eye. Three days after treatment, the size and density of the marginal corneal infiltrates were reduced. After 10 days, the corneal marginal infiltrates were further reduced with no signs of recurrence. After four weeks, the remaining infiltrates fully disappeared, while some opacity remained.

Conclusions: This case was diagnosed as marginal keratitis with sterile infiltrates, rather than infectious keratitis following femtosecond laser assisted LASIK, which showed a good response to topical steroids.

Ann Optom Contact Lens 2015;14(3):155-157