Exacerbation of Avellino corneal dystrophy after laser in situ keratomileusis.

Purpose: To report a case of Avellino corneal dystrophy that increased in severity 1 year after uncomplicated laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia.

Methods: Avellino dystrophy was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction sequencing of DNA from the patient and her parents.

Results: Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity decreased from 20/20 to 20/30 12 to 20 months after LASIK owing to opacities that appeared centrally in the corneal stroma and the LASIK flap and remaining posterior stroma interface.

Conclusions: LASIK is contraindicated in patients with Avellino corneal dystrophy because vision may be reduced by corneal opacities that appear in the interface of the flap and remaining posterior stroma postoperatively.