A SURGICAL TECHNIQUE FOR THE TREATMENT OF CENTRAL CORNEAL PERFORATIONS

BACKGROUND: Generally, corneal perforations of 2 mm in diameter or gre ater are treated using graft material for tectonic support. A surgical technique for the primary repair of such perforations without the use of any additional tissue is presented. METHODS: This procedure is dem onstrated by a case report. The technique involves creation of an elli ptical defect out of a circular one, thus allowing for primary closure , with the addition of glue. A definitive penetrating keratoplasty was subsequently performed with several important modifications described herein. RESULTS: A water-tight closure was obtained with this techniq ue for 1 month while the inflammation subsided. Preoperative visual ac uity was light perception. One year postoperatively, it was count fing ers at 8 feet with mild irregular astigmatism. CONCLUSION: This techni que is useful for perforations which are central, larger than 2 mm in diameter, and when corneal or scleral material is not readily availabl e for patch grafting.