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Published on: June 12, 2012
Mucous membrane graft versus Gunderson conjunctival flap for fitting a scleral shell over a sensitive cornea
1Department of Ophthalmology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. rmaluf@cyberia.net.lb
Purpose:
To assess the efficacy of full-thickness mucous membrane grafts in forming a total and permanent corneal cover.
Methods:
The records of all patients with a phthisical globe or microphthalmos who underwent a corneal covering procedure to allow comfortable wearing of a cosmetic scleral shell between March 1999 and July 2004 were reviewed.
Results:
Ten eyes underwent a Gunderson conjunctival flap (group A), and 9 eyes underwent a full-thickness mucous membrane graft (group B). In group A, 3 eyes had total flap retraction and one eye had partial flap retraction. In group B, only one eye had partial graft retraction. The flap retraction in group A occurred in those eyes with a corneal diameter of 9 mm or more.
Conclusions:
The results from this small series of patients indicate that a full-thickness mucous membrane graft might be a better alternative for corneal coverage than a Gunderson conjunctival flap, especially in eyes with conjunctival scarring or relatively large corneal diameter.
