Temporary Gortex (polytetrafluoroethylene) spacer for the treatment of fornix shortening following severe alkali chemical injury.

BACKGROUND

Gortex is an inert, smooth, flexible material, which is well tolerated in situ. We describe a case of fornix shortening secondary to alkali injury, which was treated successfully with a temporary Gortex patch.

METHOD

Retrospective case report.

RESULTS

A patient with Grade IV chemical injury developed significant symblepharon formation 47 days after the initial injury. Following an initial failed mucous membrane graft the patient had a Gortex patch sutured into the upper lid fornix which acted as a spacer to allow epithelisation of the bulbar conjunctiva. The Gortex patch was removed after 25 days, and at 6 months' follow-up, there was no recurrence of symblepharon formation.

CONCLUSION

Industry-related severe ocular chemical injury is a rare occurrence. It can lead to symblepharon formation and destruction of the conjunctival fornix. In this case a Gortex spacer was successfully used to prevent symblepharon formation and reform the upper eyelid fornix after severe chemical injury.