New surgical approach for limbal dermoids in children: simple excision, corneal tattooing, and sutureless limboconjunctival autograft.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of combined surgery of simple excision, corneal tattooing, and a sutureless limboconjunctival autograft in pediatric patients with grade 1 limbal dermoids.

METHODS

We treated 4 eyes of 4 patients with combined surgery of corneal tattooing and a sutureless limboconjunctival autograft with simple excision of limbal dermoids. Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, postoperative recovery time, cosmetic improvements, patient compliance, and complication rates were reviewed.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period in this study was 27.3 ± 2.8 (range, 24-30) months. Visual acuity was stable during the follow-up period. Resolution of patient discomfort and wound epithelialization was achieved in 1 week. Cosmetic outcomes improved in view of corneal opacity and conjunctival vascularization. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results with no complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Corneal tattooing and a sutureless limboconjunctival autograft after simple excision of limbal dermoids can lead to a satisfactory cosmetic outcome, better compliance, and early postoperative recovery without complications for grade 1 limbal dermoids in pediatric patients.