Anterior stromal puncture for the treatment of Brown-McLean syndrome

The Brown-McLean syndrome is defined by peripheral corneal edema sparing the central cornea. We report a patient with bullous annular keratopathy following phacoemulsification and implantation of posterior chamber intraocular lens. The uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity was 20/30. The patient required the use of a bandage contact lens for almost 5 years to relieve the ocular discomfort.

Anterior stromal puncture was performed using a cystotome. Two weeks after the procedure the ocular discomfort disappeared and the use of bandage contact lens was no longer required. Anterior stromal puncture is a simple procedure that is performed under the slit lamp, and can alleviate the symptoms in patients with Brown-McLean syndrome.