Bacterial keratitis early after corneal crosslinking with riboflavin and ultraviolet-A

J Cataract Refract Surg. 2009 Mar;35(3):588-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2008.09.029.

Abstract

We report a case of bacterial keratitis 3 days after corneal crosslinking for keratoconus. The patient complained of increasing pain and redness combined with blurred vision in the treated eye starting on the first postoperative day. Clinical examination showed multiple stromal infiltrations and moderate anterior chamber inflammation. Corneal scraping revealed an Escherichia coli infection, which was successfully treated with fortified tobramycin and cephazolin eyedrops for several weeks. This is the first report of a case of rare postoperative complication resulted in an avascularized corneal scar and permanent reduction of the visual acuity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cefazolin / therapeutic use
  • Collagen / metabolism
  • Corneal Stroma / metabolism*
  • Corneal Ulcer / diagnosis
  • Corneal Ulcer / drug therapy
  • Corneal Ulcer / microbiology*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Escherichia coli / isolation & purification
  • Escherichia coli Infections / diagnosis
  • Escherichia coli Infections / drug therapy
  • Escherichia coli Infections / microbiology*
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Keratoconus / drug therapy*
  • Keratoconus / metabolism
  • Male
  • Photochemotherapy
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Riboflavin / therapeutic use*
  • Tobramycin / therapeutic use
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Collagen
  • Cefazolin
  • Riboflavin
  • Tobramycin