Gundersen Flap Removal to Restore Eyesight Without Limbal Transplantation-A Case Report.

PURPOSE: To report a case of Gundersen flap removal where the ocular surface was restored without the need for additional limbal stem cell transplantation.

METHODS

We describe a case of 57-year-old man who underwent Gundersen flap for a nonhealing corneal ulcer in right eye 17 years ago. He recently lost eyesight in left eye after blunt trauma. Gundersen flap removal was performed in right eye along with amniotic membrane transplantation.

RESULTS

The ocular surface recovered completely after surgery without any evidence of limbal stem cell deficiency. His corrected distance visual acuity improved to 20/60 along with a stable ocular surface, which was maintained till last follow-up of 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

A normal ocular surface can be restored after Gundersen flap surgery if removal of limbal epithelium is not performed during the primary procedure. Additional corneal surgery might be required depending on corneal clarity.