Spontaneous corneal perforation in pellucid marginal degeneration.
OBJECTIVE
We present a report of a spontaneous corneal perforation in a patient with pellucid marginal corneal degeneration.


METHODS
We describe the presentation and management of a 74 year old male with spontaneous corneal perforation related to pellucid marginal corneal degeneration.


RESULTS
The corneal perforation was repaired with a 3 mm penetrating patch graft. The cornea has remained stable for 7 years with no further progression of corneal ectasia in either eye.


CONCLUSIONS
Although rare, spontaneous corneal perforations in patients with pellucid marginal corneal degeneration can occur, and patients should be cautioned about this possibility.
Orlin
S E
SE
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Scheie Eye Institute, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
Sulewski
M E
ME
D000368:Aged; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003317:Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous