An unreported side effect of topical clarithromycin when used successfullyto treat Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare keratitis

Purpose. To report a case of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) kerat itis successfully treated with topical clarithromycin. An unreported side e ffect of the topical medication is described. Methods, A regular follow-up in the corneal clinic was arranged, and a pertinent literature search perfo rmed. Results. The use of topical clarithromycin was successful in treating the keratitis. The patient did not complain of any ocular discomfort. Corn eal subepithelial deposits that appeared during treatment with clarithromyc in resolved shortly after the therapy was discontinued. Conclusion. This ca se report demonstrates that a rare infection like MAI keratitis can be succ essfully treated with topical clarithromycin. It also highlights the possib le corneal deposition of this drug, which resolved after cessation of thera py.