title: Corneal fistulas and their management.
abstract: We reviewed three representative cases of chronic corneal fistula formation and provide a systematic approach to the assessment and therapeutic alternatives for this problem. In two of our patients, the fistula was managed surgically. The third patient developed endophthalmitis, which resulted in loss of light perception. Chronic corneal fistulization is a rare clinical entity resulting from malapposition of corneal tissue after traumatic, surgical, or infectious perforation. Fistulas may result in prolonged or recurrent hypotony, peripheral anterior synechia formation, or endophthalmitis. Accurate assessment of the risks associated with corneal fistula formation takes into account the type of fistula, its location in the cornea, and the condition of the ocular adnexae. We reviewed the risk factors that will determine the urgency and type of therapy used.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento 95816.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Mannis
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ruben
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wedemeyer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001762:Blepharitis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012393:Rosacea / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents