A Case of Fungal Keratitis after Intracorneal Ring Segment Implantation for Keratoconus

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case of fungal keratitis 3 days after intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation for keratoconus. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old woman was referred to our clinic with refractory infectious keratitis in her left eye 3 days after ICRS insertion for keratoconus. Slit lamp examinations revealed infiltrates around the incision site with cellular reaction in the anterior chamber after the ICRS had been removed. Corneal scrapings were obtained for staining and cultures, and intensive topical antibiotics were administered. Initial microscopy and cultures were negative. Despite the use of intensive topical antibiotics, there was no improvement. Hyphae were isolated from additional corneal scrapings. The patient's symptoms and corneal findings improved following administration of topical amphotericin B and oral itraconazole. CONCLUSIONS: Infectious keratitis after ICRS implantation is an uncommon but sight-threatening complication. Fungal keratitis should also be considered if infectious keratitis after ICRS is unresponsive to antibiotics.