Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy for surface eye disease (an AOS thesis)

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Dermatology
• Cryosurgery

Background:

• External eye conditions require effective treatment options.
• Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen is a potential therapeutic modality.
• Evaluating its efficacy across various ocular surface diseases is crucial.

Observation:

• Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy was applied to conjunctival amyloidosis, primary and recurrent pterygia, AWLE, SLK, and VKC.
• Resolution rates varied significantly across conditions.
• Recurrence was noted in several cases, particularly for pterygia and VKC.

Findings:

• Cryotherapy showed high efficacy for AWLE and SLK, with recurrences successfully managed by repeat treatment.
• Conjunctival amyloidosis and primary pterygia responded well to excision combined with cryotherapy.
• Recurrent pterygia and palpebral VKC demonstrated poor outcomes with cryotherapy alone.

Implications:

• Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy is a valuable treatment for specific external eye conditions like AWLE and SLK.
• Combined surgical excision and cryotherapy may benefit primary pterygia.
• Alternative or adjunctive treatments are needed for recurrent pterygia and VKC.