Anterior stromal puncture for bullous keratopathy.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of anterior stromal punctures on the symptomatic relief of patients with bullous keratopathy considered ineligible for penetrating keratoplasty.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Five eyes of five patients with bullous keratopathy who had intolerable pain, tearing, and photophobia and were ineligible for penetrating keratoplasty were enrolled. Under slit-lamp magnification, anterior stromal punctures were applied directly at the bullae with a 24-gauge needle. Supplementary anterior stromal punctures were applied for recurrent bullae, if any, during the follow-up. The condition of the cornea was recorded by taking photographs. Pain and discomfort were subjectively evaluated.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in pain and tearing was achieved. Epithelial and subepithelial fibrosis with scarred small bullae formation was observed during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The anterior stromal puncture is an effective and low-cost method to relieve troublesome symptoms in patients with bullous keratopathy who are not eligible for corneal grafts.