Nd:YAG laser corneal disruption as adjuvant treatment for infectious crystalline keratopathy.

PURPOSE To report on the use of the Nd:YAG laser corneal disruption in the treatment of infectious crystalline keratopathy. METHOD Case report. A 52-year-old woman with infectious crystalline keratopathy unresponsive to topical antibiotics was treated with an Nd:YAG laser to the intrastromal crystals. RESULTS After Nd:YAG laser treatment, the infiltrate completely cleared within 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Nd:YAG laser treatment may be effective in disrupting the protective glycocalyx matrix within the intrastromal crystals, rendering the bacteria susceptible to topical antibiotics. This treatment should be considered for patients with infectious crystalline keratopathy clinically resistant to topical antibiotics.