Delayed Sterile Keratitis Following Radial Keratotomy Successfully Treated With Conjunctival Flap

BACKGROUND: A case of sterile keratitis involving three adjacent incisions and intervening stroma occurring 5 years after an eight-incision radial keratotomy is reported. METHODS: Multiple cultures showed no pathogens. Treatment with antibiotics, lubricants, patching, and bandage contact lenses failed to improve the condition. A conjunctival bridge flap was therefore performed. RESULTS: Total resolution of the keratitis occurred rapidly after performing the conjunctival bridge flap. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed keratitis following radial keratotomy has been reported in the past. Treatment in these cases has primarily been corneal transplantation. The present case presents an alternative treatment, conjunctival bridge flap, which was successful in this case of sterile keratitis following radial keratotomy.