Patch Transplant in Corneal Perforations: Time, Method, and Cause

We present demographic data and clinical features of corneal perforations repaired with patch grafts prepared from residual donor corneal rims.

For this retrospective study, we evaluated patients who underwent corneal perforation repair with corneal or corneoscleral patch grafts. We recorded demographic data, as well as perforation cause, examination notes, tissue type-size used, follow-up time, and additional surgeries. Anterior segment photographs were also evaluated. Transplanted tissues were prepared from residual donor corneas used in penetrating keratoplasty and were manually adjusted to the precise size of the wound.

Fifteen patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age of the patients was 64.9 ± 19.7 years (range, 15-81 years) with a female-to-male ratio of 0.85. The causes of perforation were grouped as inflammation, infection, and trauma. The main indications were inflammation (n = 7; 46.7%) and infection (n = 6; 40%), followed by trauma (n = 2; 13.3%). All patients demonstrated preservation of globe integrity during the follow-up time; however, 1 patient's eye required regrafting with limbal conjunctival excision due to melting and leakage. Three eyes required permanent tarsorrhaphy to control progressive exposure keratopathy, and 2 eyes underwent penetrating keratoplasty to cure scar-related corneal opacity.

Patch grafts are effective surgical interventions to assure and maintain globe integrity in corneal perforations. The main advantage seems to be that patch grafting allows special preparations for wound architecture. Moreover, in clinics performing keratoplasty, these patch tissues are readily available.