Unilateral Candida parapsilosis Interface Keratitis After Laser In Situ Keratomileusis-Case Report and Review of the Literature

PURPOSE: To describe a rare case of early-onset Candida parapsilosis infection after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and review the published reports of post-LASIK fungal infections. METHODS: A 32-year-old woman presented with interface infiltration in the central interface in the right eye 2 days after LASIK surgery. The right eye flap was lifted, and the opacities were scraped. Two days later, a 3- x 3-mm-dense oval opacity and diffuse hazes were noted. Surgical intervention was arranged because of suspicion of interface infectious keratitis. RESULTS: After an apparent post-LASIK keratitis with related interface inflammation failed to respond to medical therapy, corneal culture results were positive for C. parapsilosis 2 weeks 6 days after presentation. The patient was started on topical drops of amphotericin B 0.15% every hour after the smear showed the presence of yeast. The opacities decreased, and the topical antifungal drops were tapered. One month later, her uncorrected visual acuity recovered to 20/20. CONCLUSIONS: Candida parapsilosis interface keratitis after LASIK may occur in the early phase. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can result in good outcome.