Repair of a giant scleral ulcer with preserved sclera and tissue adhesive.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Infectious scleral ulcer is a rare but severe late complication of pterygium surgery. Scleral grafts may be required in scleral ectasia with uveal exposure, corneal distortion, and severe anterior chamber reaction that are induced by scleral ulcer. The authors report a method for scleral grafting with preserved sclera and tissue adhesive.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Six cases of infectious scleral ulcers were repaired with this method. Preserved sclera was attached to the thinning sclera with tissue adhesive without sutures. The free or rotation conjunctival flap was placed over the graft area and sutured with 10-0 nylon.

RESULTS

The six cases repaired by this method showed good results during the follow-up, except for one loss. The only complication was protrusion of the adhesive postoperatively. This protrusion can be easily removed with forceps on an outpatient basis.

CONCLUSION

Tissue adhesive with preserved sclera is a useful method for repair of scleral thinning.