Late corneal perforation with topical diclofenac sodium use after radiotherapy.

PURPOSE

To report a case of spontaneous corneal perforation after radiotherapy connected with long-term use of topical 0.1% diclofenac sodium.

METHODS

A 31-year-old man presented with corneal melting and spontaneous corneal perforation. From his medical history, it was learned that he underwent radiotherapy for his nasopharyngeal carcinoma 25 months ago. He has been on artificial tears and topical 0.1% diclofenac sodium for 1 month for his dry eye. Diclofenac sodium was discontinued, and the corneal perforation site was sutured along with a bandage contact lens application.

RESULTS

Melting area disappeared, and stromal opacity was detected at the site of corneal perforation.

CONCLUSION

Use of long-term diclofenac sodium for dry eye after radiotherapy was possibly responsible for the spontaneous corneal perforation in our patient. It should always be borne in mind that topical diclofenac sodium should be used with caution in patients with compromised ocular surface.