Conjunctival necrosis due to subconjunctival injection of betamethasone in treatment of graft rejection after penetrating keratoplasty.

A rare side effect of betamethasone applied subconjunctivally is described. A 51-year-old man who had undergone penetrating keratoplasty in his left eye 2 months previously developed graft rejection and was treated by subconjunctival injection of betamethasone. Within 2 weeks, the patient complained of conjunctival hyperemia and irritation. Biomicroscopic examination revealed conjunctival and subconjunctival necrosis with white necrotic tissue at the subconjunctival corticosteroid injection site. Simple debridement and primary wound closure of the involved area resulted in complete healing. Ophthalmologists should be aware that subconjunctival injection of betamethasone may cause conjunctival necrosis.