Fang Wu1, Xiuming Jin, Yesheng Xu, Yabo Yang. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Abstract
PURPOSE: 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.
PURPOSE: 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: Martina Nemcokova; Jakub Dite; Yun Min Klimesova; Magdalena Netukova; Pavel Studeny Journal: Cell Tissue Bank Date: 2022-02-06 Impact factor: 1.522