Infectious Crystalline Keratopathy Associated with Topical Anesthetic Abuse

Abstract

Two patients with infectious crystalline keratopathy associated with topical anesthetic abuse are described. No previously reported predisposing factors existed, including topical corticosteroid use during active Herpes simplex or Acanthamoeba keratitis, or following penetrating keratoplasty. Cultures from corneal biopsies of both patients grew Streptococcus viridans. Both infections resulted in corneal scarring with vascularization. Ultimately, corneal transplantation was performed in one case.