Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infection After LASIK Surgery
According to a study published in the April issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, researchers found that 12 patients developed Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) after undergoing LASIK surgery.
MRSA is a form of drug-resistant bacteria which can be a serious post-operative complication. This bacteria has been found in hospital surgical facilities.
Among the 12 patients, nine were either healthcare workers or exposed to a hospital surgical setting. One such case involved a male nurse who went for a LASIK procedure and within 2 weeks, he developed an infection in his left eye that grew worse, despite treatment. When the infection was cultured and found to be MRSA, his antibiotics were changed and his vision recovered partially. He is awaiting further treatments.
It was pointed out that the findings are the first cases of MRSA infectious keratitis following refractive surgery, the first reports of MRSA keratitis after refractive surgery in patients with no known exposure to a healthcare facility, the first report of MRSA keratitis after a laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) enhancement.
Source : Renée Solomon et al “Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infectious Keratitis Following Refractive Surgery”American Journal of Ophthalmology (April 2007) 143:4:629-634; Science Daily April 10, 2007
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