title: Homologous scleral graft for corneal perforation in a child.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To show the emergency use of preserved homologous sclera for the repair of a perforated cornea in a young child.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our case was a 3.5-year-old boy who presented with an acute corneal ulcer and endophthalmitis, which was complicated by a developing corneal melting and perforation of 2.5-mm diameter during pars plana vitrectomy. Because no donor cornea was available, a full-thickness preserved donor sclera was used to close the corneal defect.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the next 8 months, scar tissue formed underneath the scleral graft. The graft was removed, revealing mild opacification at the site of corneal perforation. Three years after surgery, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/60.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the absence of a corneal button for grafting, preserved homologous sclera may be used for closing a corneal defect.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel. levartov@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Shmuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Levartovsky
authors.forename: Amira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Springer
authors.forename: Hana
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Leiba
authors.forename: Arie L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Marcovich
authors.forename: Ayalla
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pollack
mesh_terms: D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D015807:Eye Injuries, Penetrating / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D012590:Sclera / Q000637:transplantation*; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous