Herpes simplex keratitis following excimer laser application

PURPOSE: To report two cases of herpes simplex keratitis following excimer laser application. METHODS: Two immunocompetent patients with no history of ocular viral infection developed ulcers after LASIK and phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), respectively. RESULTS: Antiviral treatment was administered, and the lesions healed within 14 days. CONCLUSIONS: These two cases suggest that herpes simplex virus was associated with the use of the excimer laser.