Electrolysis-needle cauterization of corneal vessels in patients with lipid keratopathy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a technique of corneal vessel occlusion by using electrolysis-needle cautery.


METHODS
A prospective case series of three patients.


RESULTS
Corneal vessels were successfully occluded in all patients. Vessels remained occluded during the first 8 months post-cautery follow up. Two patients needed repeat cautery at 9 and 10 months respectively. Patients found the procedure comfortable. There was no post-operative induced astigmatism.


CONCLUSIONS
The technique of ENC is simple, effective and controlled. This technique compares favorably and may prove to be more versatile than Fine Needle Diathermy in the occlusion of corneal vessels that lead to lipid keratopathy.
Wertheim
Michael S
MS
Bristol Eye Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom. drwertie@hotmail.com
Cook
Stuart D
SD
Knox-Cartwright
Nathaniel E
NE
Van
Dung Le
DL
Tole
Derek M
DM
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D052439:Lipid Metabolism Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged