Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Open Access

A rare and unusual case of DLK after surface ablation

4^th International Conference on Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology

July 14-16, 2014 DoubleTree by Hilton Baltimore-BWI Airport, USA

Hassan Aboumerhi

Posters: J Clin Exp Ophthalmol

Abstract :

Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) is a well-known and feared inflammatory complication after laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). In the first week after LASIK surgery, neutrophils may infiltrate the potential space between the flap and stromal bed, resulting in reduced visual acuity, irregular astigmatism, and potential corneal melt. Early treatment can prevent devastating complications and result in an excellent outcome. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), however, has not been described to develop DLK. More recently, PRK has been used to retreat previous LASIK patients. In this case, a 65 year-old white female with a remote surgical history of bilateral LASIK underwent retreatment of her right eye status post cataract extraction. Thirteen years after her primary LASIK procedure, this patient developed florid DLK within 4 days of her procedure. This case report presents an unusual occurrence of DLK years after LASIK surgery and stresses the importance of early vigilant inspection of the stromal space in previous LASIK patients undergoing retreatment with any surface ablation.

Biography :

Hassan Aboumerhi has completed his B.S. in Integrated Life Sciences at Kent State University through Northeast Ohio Medical University's (NEOMED) accelerated B.S./M.D. program. At 22, he is now a 3rd year medical student interested in ophthalmology. He is working with pediatric ophthalmologist Erzurum in Youngstown, OH, where this case was encountered.