Corneal melting after avulsion of a Molteno shunt plate.

PURPOSE: We report a case of Molteno shunt avulsion after blunt trauma resulting in corneal melting. The implant's connecting tube had been placed above the superior rectus muscle.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

After blunt trauma, the secondary plate of a double-plated Molteno implant became completely dislodged anteriorly onto the patient's cornea. The corneal tissue entrapped beneath the avulsed plate was found to have extensive melting requiring emergency explantation of the Molteno implant and corneal grafting.

CONCLUSIONS

Corneal melting after Molteno shunt avulsion is a novel finding. Placing a double-plated Molteno implant's connecting tube under the superior rectus muscle might decrease the risk of shunt avulsion after trauma.