Adenovirus keratoconjunctivitis after LASIK as a complication of COVID-19 vaccination: a clinical case

Abstract

During large-scale vaccination against coronavirus infection, studying possible side effects after the introduction of the vaccine is of great practical value. We present a rare clinical case of a complication of COVID-19 vaccine prophylaxis. A 40-year-old female patient was diagnosed with a bilateral adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis complicated by corneal erosion and iritis after a LASIK refractive intervention and a subsequent (after 5 days) immunoprophylaxis with the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine followed by a displacement of the corneal flap due to involuntary friction of the left eye. The corneal flap was urgently repositioned; its adhesion and stabilization were achieved usinga bandage soft contact lens. The timely local and systemic anti-inflammatory and antiviral therapy allowed achieving a successful visual result (1.0). Ophthalmologists need to remain vigilant about possible adverse effects after immunoprophylaxis on the part of the eye, specifically the conjunctiva and cornea. A timely diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications such as persistent corneal opacities that reduce visual acuity, especially in patients who have undergone refractive surgery aimed at achieving the highest possible vision. In our opinion, it is advisable to perform vaccination at least 1 month after the refractive surgery.