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Corneal neovascularisation in acute hydrops.
N J Rowson1, J K Dart, R J Buckley
1Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England.
Eye (London, England)
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Corneal neovascularisation can complicate acute hydrops in keratoconus, especially in atopic patients. High-dose topical steroids may not inhibit this process, suggesting alternative treatments like systemic steroids or corneal grafting may be necessary.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Diseases
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Keratoconus is a progressive thinning of the cornea.
- Acute hydrops is a vision-threatening complication of keratoconus.
- Corneal neovascularisation involves the growth of new blood vessels into the cornea.
Observation:
- Four cases of corneal neovascularisation complicating acute hydrops in keratoconus were analyzed.
- Three of the four patients had a history of atopy.
- High-dose topical steroids were ineffective in inhibiting neovascularisation in two cases.
Findings:
- The exact pathogenesis of neovascularisation in this context is unclear.
- Potential risk factors include hydrops size, proximity to limbal vascular arcades, and inflammation.
- Atopic keratoconjunctivitis may be an additional contributing factor.
Implications:
- Close monitoring for neovascularisation is crucial in patients with large peripheral hydrops.
- Systemic steroids may be required if topical treatments fail.
- Corneal grafting could be considered to address neovascularisation, despite potential challenges.