Is It Common to Develop Keratitis After a PRK Enhancement?

Keratitis after laser vision correction is often called diffused keratitis and is an inflammatory condition that is rare and usually responds well to topical steroid eye drops. Infectious keratitis is even rarer but potentially more serious and requires antibiotics and close observation.

Keratitis means there is inflammation of the cornea.  There are many possible causes of Keratitis following a PRK treatment, both infectious and non-infectious.   infectious keratitis is potentially a devastating complication of PRK, as an organism, usually a bacteria or fungus, causes ulceration.  Thankfully this is very rare and only occurs infrequently.   Antibiotic drops are routinely prescribed post PRK, and carefully following post op instructions greatly reduces this risk.   Other types of keratitis are much more common after PRK, with the most common being inflammation from a dry surface.  The surface has to heal after PRK, and this can take several weeks.  During this period, and for several weeks beyond as well, it is important to lubricate the eyes frequently, and possibly use other supplements, including flax seed oil, omega three oils, and a prescription for the dry eye called Restasis.     Thankfully all types of keratitis following PRK are most frequently treatable and temporary. 

Keratitis can come from a variety of causes.  Most commonly it is caused by dryness and the frequent use of lubricating tear drops will help.  Dry eyes are universal with all laser procedures and it is for this reason that we encourage our patients to start Restasis as soon as possible before surgery and to use it for three to four months after surgery at least.  Restasis increases the body's own tear production and reduces the need for tear drops.

Inflammation of the cornea after a PRK enhancement of an eye that has had LASIK is not common, but entirely within the realm of possibilities that may occur.  Usually, this is best treated with a steroid eye drop. Make sure you seek the care of your LASIK surgeon to properly treat your condition.