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Conjunctival hypertrophic scar following cryotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity
In Jeong Lyu1, Ho-Seok Sa, Kyung In Woo
1Department of Ophthalmology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
A 6-year-old boy experienced symblepharon and eyelid deformity after retinopathy of prematurity treatment. Surgical intervention involving conjunctival autograft successfully addressed these complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Oculoplastics
Background:
- A 6-year-old boy presented with symblepharon and lateral canthal deformity in both eyes, a condition that developed six years prior.
- The patient had a history of prematurity (27 weeks gestation) and received cryotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity, which was complicated by conjunctival scarring and symblepharon.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old boy presented with bilateral symblepharon and lateral canthal deformity, a sequela of cryotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity.
- Ocular examination revealed extensive conjunctival scarring, symblepharon, and restricted extraocular movements.
Findings:
- Surgical management involved excisional biopsy, lateral canthoplasty, and symblepharon lysis with a conjunctival autograft.
- Histopathology confirmed diffuse proliferation and infiltration of collagenous tissue, indicative of scar tissue formation.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe cicatricial complications after retinopathy of prematurity treatment.
- Successful surgical reconstruction, including conjunctival autografting, can restore ocular function and aesthetics.
- Understanding the histopathology of conjunctival scarring is vital for guiding treatment strategies in pediatric ocular surface disease.
Abstract:
A 6-year-old boy was referred to our hospital with symblepharon and lateral canthal deformity in both eyes, which developed 6 years ago. The patient was born at 27 weeks gestation. He had received cryotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity. One month after cryotherapy, he developed a conjunctival scar with symblepharon in both eyes and underwent symblepharon lysis at another hospital 5 years prior. Ocular examination revealed an extensive conjunctival hypertrophic scar with symblepharon and limitation of extraocular movements. An excisional biopsy, lateral canthoplasty, and symblepharon lysis with conjunctival autograft from the contralateral eye were performed in the left eye. Histopathologic examination revealed diffuse proliferation and infiltration of collagenous tissue.
