A surgical technique for the treatment of central corneal perforations.
BACKGROUND
Generally, corneal perforations of 2 mm in diameter or greater are treated using graft material for tectonic support. A surgical technique for the primary repair of such perforations without the use of any additional tissue is presented.


METHODS
This procedure is demonstrated by a case report. The technique involves creation of an elliptical defect out of a circular one, thus allowing for primary closure, with the addition of glue. A definitive penetrating keratoplasty was subsequently performed with several important modifications described herein.


RESULTS
A water-tight closure was obtained with this technique for 1 month while the inflammation subsided. Preoperative visual acuity was light perception. One year postoperatively, it was count fingers at 8 feet with mild irregular astigmatism.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique is useful for perforations which are central, larger than 2 mm in diameter, and when corneal or scleral material is not readily available for patch grafting.
Vrabec
M P
MP
Department of Surgery, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington.
Jordan
J J
JJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008297:Male; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000379:methods; D014014:Tissue Adhesives; D014792:Visual Acuity
D014014:Tissue Adhesives