Conjunctival necrosis after treatment of a corneal ulcer with fortified gentamicin

ABSTRACT

A 13 year old Saudi boy who had been treated with fortified gentamicin for 2 weeks for a corneal ulcer presented with complaints of severe discomfort and irritation. The corneal ulcer had healed and all topical medications had been discontinued for 2 weeks. Examination showed a large area of necrotic bulbar conjunctiva. Scrapings of the necrotic conjunctiva did not show any organisms. The patient failed to respond to 2 weeks' symptomatic treatment with artificial tears. Excision of the necrotic conjunctiva resulted in prompt relief of his symptoms and was followed by complete healing of the conjunctiva