Salzmann nodular degeneration in posterior keratoconus: a case report
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Published on: August 9, 2024
Peng Song1, Xiaofei Yu1, Chenjiu Pang2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Weiwu Road 7, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
Background:
To report an unusual case of salzmann nodular degeneration (SND) in posterior keratoconus (PKC) after a corneal penetrating injury.
Case Presentation:
A 56-year-old woman presented with a history of recurrent light sensitivity, foreign body sensation, and tears after a corneal penetrating injury 20 years ago. The patient was diagnosed with SND accompanying with PKC by slit-lamp microscope, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT), and corneal tomography. A combined therapy of medication (0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops, recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor eye drops, and 0.1% fluorometholone eye drops) and bandage contact lens could not relieve the latest episode. A phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) treatment (laser ablation depth: 15 μm; treatment zone: 7.5 mm) was performed to remove nodules and smooth the surface. The best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/63 preoperatively to 20/40 postoperatively. No SND relapse and corneal ectasia were recorded at follow-up 12 months later.
Conclusions:
This is the first known, reported case of SND accompanying with PKC after corneal trauma. The PTK is a safe and effective option for SND with PKC.
