Intracorneal Insertion of Biocompatible Material for Treatment of Bullous Keratopathy

Pallikaris, Ioannis

Intracorneal Insertion of Biocompatible Material for Treatment of Bullous Keratopathy

Sunday, April 27, 2014: 8:16 AM

Room 154 (Boston Convention and Exhibition Center)

Ioannis G. Pallikaris, MD, PhD, Institute of Vision and Optics, Heraklion, Greece

George D. Kymionis, MD, PhD, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece

Argyro D. Plaka, MD, MSc Chania, Greece

Michael A. Grentzelos, MD, Vardinoyiannion Eye Institute of Crete (VEIC), Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Harilaos Ginis, PhD, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece

Sophia I. Panagopoulou, PhD, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece

Miltiadis Tsilimbaris Heraklion, Greece

Narrative Responses:

Purpose
To present a new technique of intracorneal insertion of biocompatible material for the treatment of bullus keratopathy.

Methods
Three patients with bullous keratopathy after cataract surgery and no light perception in the affected eye because of open angle glaucoma seek relief of their symptoms (pain, tearing). Femtosecond laser assisted (Wavelight FS 200 laser, Alcon Inc.) intracorneal insertion of transparent biocompatible hydrophobic material was performed.

Results
Pain and photophobia relief was immediate after complete epithelization. The corneal surface remained transparent and without bullae during the one year follow up period. The corneal stroma under the implant was edematous. All patients remained free of symptoms during the follow up period.

Conclusion
Intracorneal insertion of transparent biocompatible hydrophobic material is a fast, minimal invasive and promising new technique for the treatment of bullous keratopathy.