Herpetic keratitis with iritis after corneal crosslinking with riboflavin and ultraviolet A for keratoconus

J Cataract Refract Surg. 2007 Nov;33(11):1982-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2007.06.036.

Abstract

A 21-year-old woman had crosslinking for keratoconus in the right eye; the left eye was scheduled for penetrating keratoplasty. Five days postoperatively, she presented with geographic epithelial keratitis and iritis. Analysis of tear samples by polymerase chain reaction confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was treated with oral steroids and acyclovir, with significant improvement. Two months postoperatively, the visual acuity was improved and there was no evidence of herpetic disease recurrence. Crosslinking can induce herpetic keratitis with iritis even in patients with no history of herpetic disease. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential for a favorable outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Collagen / metabolism
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human / physiology
  • Humans
  • Iritis / diagnosis
  • Iritis / drug therapy
  • Iritis / virology*
  • Keratitis, Herpetic / diagnosis
  • Keratitis, Herpetic / drug therapy
  • Keratitis, Herpetic / virology*
  • Keratoconus / drug therapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / adverse effects*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Riboflavin / adverse effects*
  • Tears / virology
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects*
  • Virus Activation / radiation effects*
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Collagen
  • Riboflavin
  • Acyclovir