A Case Report of Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis after FemtoSMILE Refractive Surgery

Abstract

Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) is not an uncommon complication of the small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) operation. Instrumental causes, such as contamination, are usually the underlying etiological route. Herein, we present an atypical case of DLK with numerous foci of cellular infiltrates on day 1. No evidence of any diffuse inflammatory response was reported. On the other hand, the multifocal response began to improve starting on the third day, after the administration of systemic steroids, with pain and discomfort significantly disappearing on the second day. Antibiotics were given as well, in the case of secondary infections. After 1 week of treatment and close monitoring, significant improvement was reported, and the slit-lamp examination was unremarkable.