Visual outcomes of sterile corneal infiltrates after photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE: Sterile infiltrates following laser refractive surgery is an uncommon complication. This study was undertaken to analyze the visual outcomes of sterile infiltrates following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS: This retrospective study included 14 eyes that developed sterile infiltrates following PRK out of a total of 6280 eyes that underwent PRK between 2014 and 2017. Medical records of these patients, including patient demographics, characteristics of the infiltrate, presenting visual acuity, and treatment outcomes were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of sterile corneal infiltrates post-PRK in our study was 0.22% (14/6280). The mean age of the patients was 27.42 ± 4.87 years. The uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) at presentation was 0.49 ± 0.13 log MAR units. The mean size of the infiltrate was 3.22 ± 2.85 mm(2). All cases were successfully managed medically with topical steroids. The mean UCVA and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the last follow-up visit were 0.08 ± 0.08 and 0.05 ± 0.07 log MAR units, respectively. The mean time taken for resolution of the infiltrate was 8.91 ± 4.57 days. CONCLUSION: Sterile infiltrates following PRK can be effectively treated with aggressive topical steroids. The outcome is generally favorable and does not require surgical intervention if treatment is instituted early.