Posters

Salzmann nodular degeneration associated with blepharitis: a case report

Poster Details

First Author: K.Madbouhi MOROCCO

Co Author(s): M. El Ikhloufi   B. Mrini   A. Ridallah   O. Cherkaoui           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Salzmann’s nodular degeneration is a progressive corneal degeneration, associated with ocular surface inflammation or trauma but also can be idiopathic. We describe in this work the clinical, paraclinical and therapetic aspect of this disease.

Setting:

Ophthalmology department A, Hôpital des spécialités, Rabat, Maroc.

Methods:

A 66-year-old woman visited the ophthalmology department for visual acuity decrease and ocular burning. Ophthalmologic examination found: visual acuity with correction at 20/70 of the OD with an optical correction of -1,00 (-4.37 at 165°), and at 20/50 of the OG with an optical correction of -0,75 (-6 at 180°). Slit Lamp exam of lids and lashes showed an inspissated meibomian glands with thick waxy secretions and telangiectasia. Both corneas presented whitish nodular opacities between the corneal epithelium and Bowman’s layer, located in inferior region. Both lens had cataract and the rest of the exam was normal.

Results:

Topography was ordered to characterize the corneal nodules seen on slit lamp exam in the setting of significant astigmatism. The patient has been under medical treatment with lubricants and topical medications, and underwent a surgical treatment with superficial keratectomy to remove the Salzmann’s nodules. Postoperatively, there has been a complete clearing of the subepithelial opacities with poor clarity of the underlying stroma. One month later an uneventful phacoemulsification and implantation of a posterior chamber IOL was performed. As a result both eyes achieved best corrected visual acuity of 20/25, with substantial reduction in the astigmatic error.

Conclusions:

The diagnosis of Salzmann’s nodular corneal degeneration is based on clinical examination. Topography is helpful in evaluating the contribution of the nodule to visual impairment. Superficial keratectomy is a successful treatment option if it is early performed.

Financial Disclosure:

None