How is DLK treated?

Conventional treatment for DLK is increasing the topical steroid, usually from qid to q2h. The patient should be seen the following day. When the condition worsens, the next step for DLK is lifting the flap and rinsing the interface with steroid.

How common is DLK after LASIK?

Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) is a relatively infrequent complication of LASIK [1]. It may occur after any surgical procedure in which a corneal lamellar incision has created an interface through the stromal tissue.

What is DLK after LASIK?

Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) results in the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the interface between the LASIK flap and corneal stroma, and can be one of the most serious complications of LASIK if not treated quickly and properly.

Is DLK common?

Boland says. Severe, vision-threatening DLK may occur in one in 5,000 cases, while very mild cases may be as frequent as one in 50 cases. In mild cases, DLK rarely affects vision and is easily treatable. Left untreated, it can cause permanent damage, including reduction in visual acuity, scarring and stromal melt.

Is DLK painful?

Patients with DLK often exhibit pain, foreign body sensation, photophobia, and blurry vision.

What is DLK in ophthalmology?

Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) is a sterile inflammation of the cornea which may occur after refractive surgery, such as LASIK. Its incidence has been estimated to be 1 in 500 patients, though this may be as high as 32% in some cases.

How do you reduce inflammation after LASIK?

Most surgeons, however, rely on extended use of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, limiting the use of NSAIDs to pain relief in the first few days after laser refractive surgery. Steroids are used only after implantation of PIOLs.

How long does inflammation last after LASIK?

Corneal swelling, known as corneal edema, is common during the LASIK recovery period. For most patients, swelling in the cornea is temporary and will resolve on its own over the course of a few weeks. In some cases, swelling may continue for one or two months, but seldom is edema an issue after week eight.

Can you lose your vision from LASIK?

MYTH #2: You will go blind. Actually, as of this writing, there are no reported cases of blindness due to LASIK surgery itself. In a recent study, it was discovered that patients actually have a 34 times higher risk of going blind from a contact lens infection than going blind from LASIK.

Does DLK go away?

The characteristic clinical presentation in DLK develops 1 to 2 days following refractive surgery and typically resolves 5-8 days after the initiation of appropriate therapy. The post-surgical corneal opacification that accompanies DLK is typically nonlocalized and subepithelial.

What does DLK mean?

DLK

What is the major factor implicated in DLK?

Risk factors DLK is predominantly associated with Lasik, as the creation of a flap creates a potential space for cells to accumulate. Individuals with atopic conditions with pre-existing allergic conjunctivitis, or ocular rosacea, are more prone to developing the condition after surgery.

What is the treatment for Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK)?

Depending on severity, therapies may range from topical or oral anti-inflammatories to irrigation and surgical repair. “Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis (DLK) –”.

What are the treatment options for DLK (DLK)?

DLK should be immediately treated with topical steriods. If DLK progresses it may require surgical intervention. Severe cases of DLK may progress to flap melt with associated vision loss.

What causes DLK after corneal transplant?

It may occur after any surgical procedure in which a corneal lamellar incision has created an interface through the stromal tissue. DLK is a self-perpetuating sterile inflammation of the cornea characterized by the appearance of a diffuse, multifocal, polymorphonuclear infiltration in the flap interface [1, 2].

What is the post-surgical corneal opacification associated with DLK?

The post-surgical corneal opacification that accompanies DLK is typically nonlocalized and subepithelial. DLK is divided into four stages according to the extent of corneal involvement. Stage 1 typically arises 1-2 days after refractive surgery. It is characterized by peripheral inflammatory infiltrates without central corneal involvement.