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Anterior stromal puncture for bullous keratopathy
Tseng-Chiang Tsai1, Chuan-Yi Su, Chang-Ping Lin
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Background And Objective:
To evaluate the effects of anterior stromal punctures on the symptomatic relief of patients with bullous keratopathy considered ineligible for penetrating keratoplasty.
Patients And Methods:
Five eyes of five patients with bullous keratopathy who had intolerable pain, tearing, and photophobia and were ineligible for penetrating keratoplasty were enrolled. Under slit-lamp magnification, anterior stromal punctures were applied directly at the bullae with a 24-gauge needle. Supplementary anterior stromal punctures were applied for recurrent bullae, if any, during the follow-up. The condition of the cornea was recorded by taking photographs. Pain and discomfort were subjectively evaluated.
Results:
A significant reduction in pain and tearing was achieved. Epithelial and subepithelial fibrosis with scarred small bullae formation was observed during the follow-up.
Conclusions:
The anterior stromal puncture is an effective and low-cost method to relieve troublesome symptoms in patients with bullous keratopathy who are not eligible for corneal grafts.
