title: Treatment of corneal perforation with lenticules from small incision lenticule extraction surgery: a preliminary study of 6 patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the use of lenticules extracted using small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery as a surgical alternative for wound closure in corneal perforation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Corneal lenticules obtained through SMILE surgery with central thickness >100 μm were fixed over corneal perforation sites using 10-0 nylon interrupted stitches. Patients were monitored for a minimum of 1 year and were assessed using slit-lamp microscopy, fluorescein, digital tonometry, and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) measurements. Postoperative complications throughout the study period were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Corneal perforations were successfully sealed in all 6 patients; 3 patients (50%) exhibited improved postoperative BSCVA. Between 3 and 4 weeks after the operation, part of the lenticules became incorporated into the corneal stroma and complete reepithelialization was achieved. During the follow-up period of 12 months, no evidence of infection, relapse, or perforation was detected in any patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These preliminary findings suggest that the use of corneal lenticules may be a safe and effective surgical alternative for corneal perforation closure, with potential clinical application as relatively simple and inexpensive temporary measures to improve the condition of the cornea for further definitive interventions.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
authors: Fang
authors: F
authors: Wu
authors: Xiuming
authors: X
authors: Jin
authors: Yesheng
authors: Y
authors: Xu
authors: Yabo
authors: Y
authors: Yang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D057112:Corneal Perforation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000637:transplantation*; D048988:Corneal Surgery, Laser; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014021:Tissue Preservation; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology