Corneal Melt of Incisions Overlying Corneal Ring Segments: Case Series and Literature Review

Abstract

: Corneal melt is a rare complication of ICRS. We conclude that wound gape over ICRS contributes to the development of melt. Strategies can be employed to reduce the incidence of this rare but important complications of ICRS.

Ultrastructural features of corneas with pellucid marginal degeneration

“…Ultrastructural features of the PMD cornea such as breaks in Bowman's layer, disorganization of collagen fibrils (CFs) in the stroma, and degeneration of Descemet's membrane have been reported previously (Pouliquen et al, 1987). Corneal melt was also observed in the eyes suffering with PMD (Kugler et al, 2011). Hassell and Birk (2010) reported that the extracellular matrix of corneal stroma consists of collagen with lesser amount of proteoglycans (PGs).…”

“…Ultrastructural features of the PMD cornea such as breaks in Bowman's layer, disorganization of collagen fibrils (CFs) in the stroma, and degeneration of Descemet's membrane have been reported previously (Pouliquen et al, ). Corneal melt was also observed in the eyes suffering with PMD (Kugler et al, ).…”

A review of corneal melting following kerato‐refractive surgery

“…Melting is also a known complication of intracorneal stromal ring segments (ICRS) for ectasia or keratoconus . The author concluded that wound gape over ICRS contributes to the development of melting.…”

Refractive surgery or contact lenses – how and when to decide?

“…Radial keratotomy weakens the cornea, and the potential complications of the surgery include loss of best-corrected vision acuity, infection, and rupture of the globe. [7][8][9] Radial keratotomy may also induce corneal instability and induce diurnal fluctuation of refractive error and hyperopic shift. 10 …”