Aspergillus Keratitis After Photorefractive Keratectomy: A Case Report Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Could blurred vision after laser eye surgery signal a fungus? A case report found Aspergillus keratitis after PRK; smear and PCR testing enabled prompt antifungal treatment. #EyeHealth #CaseReport

Peyman A ; Mirzaei N ; Foroughi E ; Aslani A ; Mohammadi R ; Pourazizi M
Source: Journal of Medical Case Reports Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Fungal keratitis is an uncommon condition that can occur after refractive surgery. Herein, we report a case of early postoperative Aspergillus keratitis in an immunocompetent patient following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Case presentation: We report a case of a 21-year-old white man with no past ocular or systemic diseases who underwent bilateral PRK for myopia. Seven days after surgery, he presented to his surgeon, complaining of eye redness and blurred vision that had started 3 days prior. First, empirical antibiotic therapy was initiated, and antifungal agents were subsequently added based on the direct microscopic smear examination of corneal scrapings. The polymerase chain reaction test revealed an Aspergillus corneal infection, and after 7 days of antifungal treatment, significant clinical improvement was observed. Conclusions: This case revealed the necessity of considering atypical microorganisms, such as fungi, in the differential diagnosis of early post-PRK keratitis and highlights the role of direct smear and polymerase chain reaction tests in diagnosis, timely treatment initiation, and subsequently favorable clinical outcomes. © The Author(s) 2026.