Choroidal neovascularization after laser-assited in situ keratomileusis following penetrating keratoplasty

PURPOSE: To describe a case of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) following penetrating keratoplasty (PK). METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 30-year-old man underwent PK in both eyes for bilateral keratoconus in 1997. Two years later, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/40 (-6=-4.50 x 170 degrees ) in RE and 20/20 (-1.50=-0.50 x 90 degrees ) in LE. To reduce the anisometropic defect, LASIK was performed in RE. After surgery, the refractive defect in RE reduced to -1.75 x 125 degrees and BCVA improved to 20/25. Six months after LASIK the patient presented loss of vision and metamorphopsia in RE due to choroidal neovascularization. BCVA was reduced to 20/200. Photodynamic therapy was performed in RE; 1 year later BCVA was stable at 20/200. CONCLUSION: Vitreoretinal complications after LASIK occur rarely. The potential relationship between CNV and LASIK is discussed.