Corneal Burn Caused by Carbon Dioxide Ultrapulsed Laser for Nevus Removal

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Periocular carbon dioxide ultrapulsed laser surgery can induce ocular damage. Herein we report a rare case of corneal burn after carbon dioxide ultrapulsed laser for nevus removal. CASE SUMMARY: A 25-year-old female patient presented with ocular pain, decreased visual acuity, and metamorphopsia in the left eye after laser surgery for nevus removal at a dermatology clinic 4 days prior. The patient's best corrected visual acuity in the left eye was 20/100. Central corneal haziness and corneal epithelial defect were observed on biomicroscopic examination. Antibiotics, steroid and artificial tear eye drops were administered for treatment. Glasses were prescribed to correct refraction errors. After 2 months of treatment, the best corrected visual acuity in the left eye recovered to 20/50, and corneal epithelial defect was mostly healed, however corneal haziness remained. CONCLUSIONS: Carbon dioxide ultrapulsed laser is commonly used in dermatological treatments. The use of an eye shield is important during this procedure, and possibility of ocular surface damage from laser treatment should be considered.