[Mushroom keratoplasty in rosacea keratitis complicated by corneal perforation (a clinical case)]

Rosacea is a polyethiologic chronic inflammatory disease with varying clinical manifestations. It is primarily a dermatologic disease, which often manifests in the eyes affecting eyelids, cornea and conjunctiva. The leading role in the pathological process belongs to disruption of regulatory mechanisms in the vascular, immune and nervous systems. It is accompanied by increased levels of metalloproteinases and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and may vary from hygiene of the eyelid margins and use of artificial tears for dry eye disease management, to antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents in moderate cases, and surgical treatment in severe or neglected state. A clinical case of severe rosacea shows that keratoplasty with mushroom-shaped profile of the surgical incision helps achieve good functional results and reduce the post-operative rehabilitation time, while significantly reducing the risk of postsurgical complications. Anti-VEGF therapy significantly reduces the risk of histoincompatibility reaction typical for rosacea keratitis.