2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
13 Refractive Surgery
Chapter 6: Photoablation: Complications and Adverse Effects
Complications Unique to Surface Ablation
Sterile Infiltrates
The use of bandage contact lenses to aid epithelial healing is associated with sterile infiltrates, which may occur more frequently in patients using topical NSAIDs for longer than 24 hours without concomitant topical corticosteroids. The infiltrates, which have been reported in approximately 1 in 300 cases, are secondary to an immune reaction (Fig 6-7). They are treated with institution of topical corticosteroids, tapering and discontinuation of topical NSAIDs, and close follow-up. Any infiltrate may be infectious and should be monitored and managed appropriately. If infectious keratitis is suspected, the cornea is typically scraped and cultured for suspected organisms.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 13 - Refractive Surgery. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.