Excerbation of Avellino corneal dystrophy after laser in situ keratomileusis.

Abstract

Purpose. To report a case of Avellino corneal dystrophy that increased in severity 1 year after uncomplicated laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia.

Methods. Avellino dystrophy was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction sequencing of DNA from the patient and her parents.

Results. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity decreased from 20/20 to 20/30 12 to 20 months after LASIK owing to opacities that appeared centrally in the corneal stroma and the LASIK flap and remaining posterior stroma interface.

Conclusions. LASIK is contraindicated in patients with Avellino corneal dystrophy because vision may be reduced by corneal opacities that appear in the interface of the flap and remaining posterior stroma postoperatively.