MYCOBACTERIUM-CHELONAE KERATITIS FOLLOWING LASER IN-SITU KERATOMILEUSIS

Corneal infection after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is rare. However, surgical trauma or breakdown of epithelium increases the risk of surface infection. We present the case of a 45 year old woman who developed keratitis due to Mycobacterium chelonae 1 month after LASIK with the Mini-Laser Sight 2000 excimer laser, After an initial improve ment following antibiotic therapy the infection progressed until it wa s necessary to perform penetrating keratoplasty, with a successful res ult.