Posters

Corneal melting after collagen cross-linking for keratoconus: a case report

Poster Details

First Author: J.Gertnere LATVIA

Co Author(s):    I. Solomatins                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To present a case with serious complication after corneal crosslinking. The corneal collagen cross-linking is a rather safe technique. Complications are relatively rare. The most described in the literature: bacterial infection, ulcers, corneal haze, manifestation of herpes infection, the peripherial sterile infiltrates. Corneal melting is a rare but one of the most serious complications. In this report, we demonstrate a case of corneal melting after corneal collagen cross-linking for keratoconus associated with an acute inflammatory response.

Setting:

Dr. Solomatin Eye Center

Methods:

A 34-year-old Caucasian man with keratoconus cornea stage 2 underwent uneventful corneal collagen cross-linking treatment for his left eye according to the Dresden protocol. Somatically healthy, but with a history of asthma. The last 8 years in remission. Over the past year, vision has begun to deteriorate, especially in the left eye. The KC was diagnosed in both eyes.

Results:

In 2 days the patient had intense photophobia, watering and redness of the eye, and his visual acuity was limited to counting fingers. Slit lamp biomicroscopy revealed severe corneal haze, edema accompanied by non-specific an acute inflammatory response. With the use of combinated therapy with antibiotics and steroids, signs of inflammation disappeared during the first week. Re-epithelization took 23 days. As a result, there was a significant thinning of the cornea and the formation of dense opacification 3-4 degrees. Visual acuity persisted 0.01 (Snellen). The perforation of the cornea did not occur. After 6 months of follow-up, the patient was offered correction with a scleral contact lens. Visual acuity improved till 0.2.

Conclusions:

Although crosslinking is one of the most commonly used methods for treating keratoconus, serious complications can occur. The causes of these complications are still not fully understood and require further study.

Financial Disclosure:

None