Comparative Outcomes of Single Versus Multiple Cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesive Applications in the Management of Corneal Thinning and Perforation.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes between patients treated with a single cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (CTA) patch for corneal thinning or perforation and those requiring multiple CTA applications.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center, comparative cohort study of patients with corneal thinning or perforation treated with either a single or multiple CTA applications in Toronto, Canada, between 2006 and 2024. Primary outcomes were the need for penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at final follow-up. Associations between the number of CTA applications with baseline characteristics, perforation characteristics, and final outcomes were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Overall, 189 patients (median age 69.0 years; 42% female) were included, with 116 (61%) in the single CTA group and 73 (39%) in the multiple-application group (mean 2.3 ± 0.6), over a median follow-up of 4.4 months. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Central and paracentral corneal defects were more likely to require multiple glue applications than peripheral defects (OR = 2.92, 95% CI, 1.31-6.51, P = 0.009). No difference was observed in final BCVA between groups (median: 2.0 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [single] vs. 2.0 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [multiple]; P = 0.838). Patients receiving multiple CTA applications (48%, n = 35/73) were more likely to require PKP (OR = 2.70, 95% CI, 1.42-5.15, P = 0.003) than those treated with a single glue patch (26%, n = 30/116).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple CTA applications were more frequently needed for central/paracentral defects and were associated with a greater likelihood of PKP. Given no significant difference in final BCVA, a conservative, stepwise management approach can be pursued without compromising long-term visual outcomes, allowing flexibility in surgical planning.