Late-onset idiopathic diffuse lamellar keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

Abstract

We report a case of late-onset diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) in the left eye of a 56-year-old white woman 3 years after uneventful bilateral laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Slitlamp examination revealed stage 3 DLK with diffuse, multifocal, dot-like, and granular haze in the interface. The DLK did not have an obvious causative agent such as trauma or epithelial defects and responded rapidly to topical corticosteroid therapy. Surgery was performed to relift the flap, remove cellular infiltrates, and obtain cultures. The microbiology culture was negative. This case indicates that DLK can occur several years after LASIK without an obvious cause.