Recalcitrant Pseudomonas keratitis after epipolis laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis: case report and review of the literature

We report a case of recalcitrant microbial keratitis after epipolis laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (epi-LASIK) surgery caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and review the literature on resistant Pseudomonas keratitis after excimer laser surgery. Microbial keratitis occurred two weeks after epi-LASIK surgery and was resistant to fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides and macrolides but sensitive to meropenem. The patient had total corneal melting and required therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. The globe could be salvaged and the distance visual acuity was 6/60 in the right eye. Recalcitrant Pseudomonas keratitis might require a therapeutic graft and necessitate the use of intravenous meropenem to prevent recurrence of infection.