Recurrent herpetic keratitis induced by laser iridectomy: case report.

The mechanism for herpetic keratitis reactivation remains unclear. When observed clinically, the reactivation may be associated with a variety of endogenous and exogenous stimuli, such as strong sunlight, fever, menstruation, and psychiatric disturbances. In experimental studies, most methods of inducing recurrence have involved some degree of corneal trauma, inflammation, neuronal stimulation, or damage to the nerves that innervate the cornea. Although corneal damage after laser iridectomy (LI) is well documented, recurrent herpetic keratitis induced by LI has never been reported. Here we present an unusual case of recurrent herpetic keratitis induced by LI. The location of the bullous keratopathy was strongly correlated to the site of laser iridectomy. Clinical findings as well as the dramatic response to antiviral treatment supported the diagnosis. Although the energy for laser iridectomy is relatively safe for most circumstances, the possibility of inducing herpetic keratitis cannot be ignored. Therefore it is important for clinicians to beware of this potential complication.