Posters

Ocular surface and anterior segment rehabilitation after an old chemical eye burn: case report

Poster Details

First Author: J.Cardigos PORTUGAL

Co Author(s):    S. Crisostomo   R. Anjos   V. Maduro   J. Feijao   P. Candelaria   N. Alves

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Chemical injuries can produce extensive damage to the ocular surface and anterior segment, leading to permanent vision loss if they are not recognized and treated promptly. It represents up to 22% of ocular traumas and may result in damage to the ocular surface epithelium, cornea, limbal stem cells and anterior segment. The authors present a clinical case of ocular surface and anterior segment rehabilitation after an old chemical eye burn.

Setting:

Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central - CHLC

Methods:

A 73-year-old woman presented with decreased visual acuity of the right eye (RE) related to a two year-old chemical eye burn, which resulted in corneal and anterior segment (AS) damage. The examination showed a best corrected visual acuity of counting fingers in the RE, 9/10 in the left eye. RE slit-lamp examination revealed corneal neovascularization in the lower half, endothelium pigmentation and total cataract. A three step surgery was performed, starting with subconjunctival injection of an antiangiogenic agent combined with autologous limbal transplantation. Followed by cataract surgery, three months later. Finally, 1 year after first examination a DSAEK was realized.

Results:

Follow-up has been secured for 8 months with periodic slit lamp examination, IOP measurements and anterior segment photography. No postoperative complications occurred and RE best corrected visual acuity increased to 6/10 together with corneal transparency.

Conclusions:

Chemical eye injuries, specially alkali, may result in severe damage to the eye, in particular to ocular surface. The repair of severe ocular surface disease still represents a surgical and medical challenge. The goal of treatment is restoration of the normal ocular surface anatomy and restoration of corneal clarity. A corrected technique and timing may contribute to a good clinical outcome. FINANCIAL DISCLOUSRE: NONE