Intracorneal inlay complicated by intrastromal epithelial opacification.
OBJECTIVE
To report epithelial perilenticular opacity as a new complication of intracorneal inlay implantation for the correction of hyperopia.


METHODS
Prospective observational case series.


METHODS
Eleven eyes of 7 patients underwent intracorneal inlay implantation for the correction of hyperopia.


METHODS
Intracorneal inlays were implanted onto the stromal bed by using a microkeratome cut to create an inferior hinged corneal flap.


METHODS
Postoperative complication occurrence of intracorneal perilenticular opacity, microbiological laboratory analysis, histopathological analysis, and confocal microscopy study.


RESULTS
Of 11 implanted eyes, 5 showed diffuse perilenticular opacity of varying intensity that was unresponsive to steroid use following intracorneal inlay implantation. All patients had moderate to severe loss of best-corrected visual acuity. The inlays showed deposits at the edge and on the surface. Confocal microscopy in all eyes produced images compatible with the confocal morphologic features of epithelial cells. Explantation of inlays was performed in 5 eyes. The histopathologic study showed the presence of epithelial cells, and microbiological analysis and cultures were negative for bacteria, fungi, and mycobacteria.


CONCLUSIONS
Epithelial perilenticular opacity is a new and serious complication in patients with intracorneal inlay implantation for the correction of hyperopia.
Corneal and Refractive Surgery Department, Instituto Oftalmológico de Alicante, Alicante, Spain. rdioa@oftalio.com <rdioa@oftalio.com>
Jorge L
JL
Alió
M Emilia
ME
Mulet
Luis F
LF
Zapata
M Teresa
MT
Vidal
Victoria
V
De Rojas
Jaime
J
Javaloy
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006956:Hyperopia / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012031:Refractometry
D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate