Giglio R, Vinciguerra AL, Inferrera L, Tognetto D. Phacoemulsification Wound Burn and Its Management.
Case Rep Ophthalmol 2024;
15:303-309. [PMID:
38590942 PMCID:
PMC11001284 DOI:
10.1159/000537741]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction
The production of ultrasonic energy during phacoemulsification is associated with heat generation that could damage ocular tissues, particularly at the corneoscleral wound site.
Case Presentation
This study presents an 89-year-old patient with senile hypermature cataract and Fuchs endothelial dystrophy developing severe thermal corneoscleral injury during phacoemulsification. At presentation, visual acuity was finger count at 40 cm and there was a 1 × 2-mm area of corneal melting at the corneal tunnel with diffuse corneal oedema. After 1 month, a temporal circular corneal patch graft was applied to the corneal burn. A penetrating keratoplasty was performed 16 months after the first surgery.
Conclusion
Corneal surgery, including lamellar patch grafts and full-thickness penetrating grafts, could be used, when necessary, to restore the cornea's integrity. These procedures could eliminate corneal scarring, decrease astigmatism, and improve vision in patients with phacoemulsification burns.
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