Focal lesion keratectomy combined with cryotherapy and biological amnion covering in the management of fungal corneal ulcer

Abstract

Objective To examine the efficacy of focal lesion keratectomy combined with cryotherapy and biological amnion covering in the management of fungal corneal ulcer. Methods Seventeen patients (17 eyes) with fungal corneal ulcer were treated with focal lesion keratectomy combined with cryotherapy and biological amnion covering between January 2009 and October 2009. The course of diseases was 20 days to 3 months (36.1±16.3 days), There was a a 5 mm corneal ulcer in the 14 cases. 9 cases(9 eyes)of 17 patients had hypopyon. We investigated the healing of corneal ulcer and covering of amniotic membrane with slit lamp microscope, complications and ulcer recurrences were analysed. Results All the cases were followed up for 3 to 12 months after operation of them, Fungal infection were controlled and corneal ulcer healed within 3-4 weeks postoperatively in 11 patients, 6 cases were carried out penetrative keratoplasty because of the uncontrolled keratomycosis. Superficial amniotic membrane patches dissolved or shed on postoperative 7-10 days. No complication occurred. Conclusion Focal lesion keratectomy combined with cryotherapy and amniotic membrane covering is an effective method in the a part of patients with fungal corneal ulcer . Key words: corneal ulcer,fungal; local lesion resection; cryotherapy; amniotic membrane