Hibiclens Keratopathy A Clinicopathologic Case Report

Abstract

A 39-year-old woman developed a painful, red eye immediately following oral surgery associated with preoperative preparation of her face with the antiseptic, Hibiclens. Epithelial and stromal edema was observed 2 weeks after surgery and progressed to diffuse bullous keratopathy. This led to penetrating keratoplasty 10 months later. Light and electron microscopic findings of the cornea included epithelial edema with bullous changes, marked loss of keratocytes, a thickened Descemet's membrane, and an attenuated, disrupted endothelial cell layer. These findings demonstrate the corneal damage that may occur following ocular exposure to Hibiclens.