A Case of Tectonic Lamellar Corneal Patch Graft Using Acellular Cornea in Corneal Ulcer Perforation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We report a case of tectonic lamellar corneal patch graft using acellular corneal tissue (Halo Sterile Cornea; Lions VisionGift, Portland, OR, USA) for treating a large corneal ulcer perforation CASE SUMMARY: A 72-year-old male previously treated for corneal ulcer was referred after presenting with decreased vision and abrupt tears in the right eye. His best-corrected visual acuity was 0.025 (20/800) and slit-lamp examination showed collapsed anterior chamber and 2 x 2 mm corneal perforation with protruded iris at the peripheral cornea. Infiltration in superficial stroma was observed near the perforation. Despite conjunctival flap, the cornea showed leakage due to perforation. To preserve ocular integrity, the patient underwent tectonic lamellar corneal patch graft using acellular corneal tissue. After surgery, the corneal patch graft was well attached. Re-epithelialization occurred after 3 days. There was no recurrence of perforation or corneal graft melting. Visual acuity improved to 0.32 (20/63) after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Tectonic lamellar corneal patch graft using acellular corneal tissue can be a useful treatment option in large corneal ulcer perforation located at the periphery.