Unilateral sterile infiltrate following small-incision lenticule extraction

Abstract

We report the case of a patient who presented with complaints of mild pain and redness 1 week after uneventful small-incision lenticule extraction. On examination, a semicircular infiltrate was noted in the right eye outside the area of the small-incision lenticule extraction treatment. The overlying epithelium was intact, and a clear corneal zone was present between the infiltrate and the limbus. A sterile etiology was suspected and a treatment regimen of topical steroids and prophylactic antibiotics along with systemic steroids started. The infiltrate resolved without scarring, and the final uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20.