Possible Synergistic Role of Cryo-Alcohol Therapy in Infectious Scleritis-Scope and Rationale for Expanding Indications and Review of the Literature.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to highlight the use of topical ethanol as an adjunct to cryotherapy, termed cryo-alcohol therapy, in the management of fungal/acanthamoeba scleritis along with a review of the literature.

METHOD: Retrospective interventional case reports of fungal and acanthamoeba scleritis along with a review of the literature.

RESULTS

The patient with circumferential necrotic fungal scleritis resolved in 6 weeks achieving a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/20, and the patient with acanthamoeba scleritis is awaiting optical keratoplasty after complete resolution in 8 weeks. The literature review from January 1990 to December 2020 revealed BCVA >20/200 in 50% of the eyes with a mean time to resolution being 4.16 ± 2.13 months in fungal scleritis, with 27.02% and 75% of the eyes requiring evisceration in fungal and acanthamoeba scleritis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Cryotherapy is a useful adjunct in managing refractory infectious scleritis, and its efficacy can be enhanced by combining the use of topical ethanol to aid in faster recovery and reduce visual morbidity.