Use of sealant (HFG) in corneal perforations.

PURPOSE: To repair corneal perforation using human fibrin glue and determine its efficacy.

METHODS

A case series study was performed on corneal perforations up to 3 mm in diameter who were admitted in Farabi Eye Hospital. Age, visual acuity, presence and size of corneal thinning, corneal epithelial defect, size and depth of corneal infiltration, site and size of corneal perforation, corneal vascularization, anterior chamber depth, and reaction and the etiology of corneal perforation were recorded. Then, corneal perforation was sealed using FG and soft contact lens, and the patients were followed up for at least 3 months. Healing of the corneal perforation with adhesive was considered as a success (the primary outcome) and reported.

RESULTS

Of 18 patients, 8 were women and 10 men. The mean age of the patients was 52 +/- 25.7 years. The size of corneal perforations was 0.6-3 mm (mean = 1.88 mm). The etiologies of corneal perforation were postinfectious in 11 and noninfectious in 7. Fifteen (83.3%) eyes had successful healing of corneal perforation after 3 months. All the patients who were failed had corneal perforation larger than 2 mm in diameter. The success rate was higher in corneal perforation <or=2 mm in diameter. No case developed giant papillary conjunctivitis or secondary glaucoma. Only 1 (5.6%) eye showed a significant increase in deep corneal vascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

FG is effective in the closure of corneal perforations up to 2 mm in diameter. Corneal perforation larger than 2 mm may not respond well. It provides fast healing with low rate of corneal vascularization.