Posters

Efficacy of argon laser photocoagulation for neovascularization after corneal transplant

Poster Details

First Author: A.Almeida BRAZIL

Co Author(s):    G. Landim   B. Souza   M. Dias   A. Pereira   A. Bittencourt   V. Sobrinho     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate the disappearance of corneal neovascularization after argon laser photocoagulation, and whether there were recurrences, as well as observe whether the procedure prevented corneal transplant failure.

Setting:

Department of Cornea, Ophthalmology Hospital of Anápolis, Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil.

Methods:

Retrospective study with qualitative descriptive analysis of eye examination and biomicroscopic photo records. Complete ophthalmologic examination performed, focusing on the biomicroscopy before and after photocoagulation with argon laser. Patients obtained follow-up in days 7, 14, 90 and 180 after the procedure. Data were tabulated and analyzed using SPSS version 18.0 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA).

Results:

There were ten patients (10 eyes) 30% female, 70% male, with a mean age of 53.50 years. There was regression of corneal neovascularization in 60% (95% CI: 1.03-1.77) of the patients, observing restoration of transparency, improvement of the surface and revitalization of the corneal tissue. In 40% initially occurred attenuation of the caliber of the vessels, with subsequent recurrence. These cases were of patients with limbal stem cell deficiency.

Conclusions:

The presence of corneal neovascularization increases the risk of corneal transplant failure. The treatment of photocoagulation with argon laser was effective in the regression of corneal neovessels, mainly in cases of focal and sectoral neovascularization. This form of treatment was not effective in cases of extensive neovascularization, which constitute limbal stem cell deficiency.

Financial Disclosure:

None