Late onset diffuse lamellar keratitis

Background: Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) is marked by the presence of diffuse or multifocal infiltrates confined to the laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK) interface. These infiltrates are culture-negative, and the etiology is thought to be noninfectious. Most cases of DLK occur within the first week or two following surgery.

Methods: We describe two cases of diffuse lamellar keratitis that occurred 3 months after LASIK. These patients were treated with intensive topical corticosteroids.

Results: We treated the patients with topical corticosteroids, with rapid improvement in patient symptoms, visual acuity, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy.

Conclusions: DLK may occur three months after LASIK.