title: Neurotrophic corneal ulceration after retinal detachment surgery with retinectomy and endolaser: a case series.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Trigeminal nerve lesions at differing levels can result in complete or partial corneal anesthesia and ensuing epithelial breakdown. Disease progression can lead to corneal ulceration, melt, and perforation. To our knowledge, neurotrophic corneal ulceration has not previously been reported after retinal detachment surgery and argon endolaser.
  
  
  METHODS
  Herein, we report a series of 5 cases of patients without diabetes who developed neuropathic corneal ulceration presumed secondary to long ciliary nerve compromise. This occurred within 5 to 10 weeks following vitrectomy surgery with endolaser and silicone oil tamponade for retinal detachment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinicians should be mindful of the long ciliary nerves intraoperatively and, where possible, avoid heavy confluent treatment at these sites without compromising the need for adequate retinopexy. Where corneal anesthesia occurs, it is important to recognize this early and treat promptly to minimize the risk for ulceration and visual loss.
authors.affiliation: Vitreoretinal Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England.
authors.forename: Philip J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Banerjee
authors.affiliation: Vitreoretinal Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England.
authors.forename: Aman
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chandra
authors.affiliation: Vitreoretinal Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England.
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.affiliation: Vitreoretinal Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England.
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Charteris
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D011379:Prognosis; D012160:Retina / Q000601:surgery*; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014456:Ulcer / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology