Corneal scarring and irregular astigmatism following refractive surgery in a corneal transplant.

BACKGROUND: Scarring may follow refractive surgery, causing irregular astigmatism and loss of visual acuity. METHODS: A case report of scarring and irregular astigmatism occurring in a corneal transplant following photorefractive keratectomy and arcuate incisions is presented. RESULTS: Following surgical excision of the scar, unaided visual acuity improved from 1/60 to 6/12. Histopathology of the excised scar was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Refractive surgery following corneal transplantation may produce scarring. The origin of the scar in the present case has not been established.