Intense Pulsed Light Combined With Meibomian Gland Massage for Recurrent Corneal Erosion: a Review of Clinical Effectiveness

Purpose: To observe the therapeutic effect on recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES) by intense pulsed light (IPL) combined with meibomian gland massage. Methods: We recruited 30 patients (30 eyes) with RCES as the RCES group and 31 patients (31 eyes) as the control group. Both the groups received eyelash sampling, Demodex count, meibomian gland infrared photography, and the blepharolipin score. The RCES group was divided into the treatment group and the observation group again. Results: Parameters in the RCES group were higher than those in the control group. The parameters of the treatment group were decreased compared with the observation group. During the follow-up period, one patient in the treatment group relapsed. Conclusion: Meibomian gland dysfunction and Demodex infection may be associated with RCES. IPL combined with meibomian gland massage can significantly improve meibomian gland function, reduce the number of Demodex, and effectively control the relapse of RCES.

Long-term results of corneal collagen crosslinking for recurrent corneal erosion

BACKGROUND: Recurrent corneal erosion (RCE) is characterized by excacerbation and remission episodes, reduced patients quality of life affecting their daily and professional activities. In case of conservative therapy inefficacy surgical procedures are used (Bowmans membrane polishing with diamond drill, excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy, anterior stromal puncture, and amniotic membrane transplantation). All methods have their advantages and weak points, as well as a certain percent of recurrence. In this regard the use of corneal collagen cross-linking is of the interest as an alternative method of the RCE surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 18 patients (20 eyes) with RCE without central corneal stroma scars, aged from 30 to 66 (average 49,5 10,6, all women), after conservative treatment failure (more than 6 months) underwent cross-linking according to the Dresden protocol with the UVX device, version 1000, by IROC INNOCROSS (Switzerland). RESULTS: All patients were asymptomatic and had no recurrence during the observation period (from 1 to 6 years, in average 2,6 1,6). There was a slight but statistically significant BCVA improvement (from 0,93 0,09 at baseline to 0,97 0,07 after intervention). CONCLUSIONS: Crosslinking may be an additional and effective treatment in a number of RCE cases when there is no central corneal stromal scars present. To reduce stromal keratocytes alteration during the procedure modified protocols may be used.

Association Between Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis and the Risk of Recurrent Corneal Erosion

Purpose: To investigate the risk of recurrent corneal erosion (RCE) in patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC).Methods: This national, retrospective, matched cohort study enrolled 184,166 newly-diagnosed AKC patients, selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database and identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code 372.05. The control group comprised 184,166 non-AKC patients matched by age, sex, and potential comorbidities and they were selected from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database, 2000. Information from patients was gathered from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2011, and both groups were traced from the index date until December 2013. The incidence and risk of RCE (ICD-9-CM code 361.42) was compared between the groups. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for RCE was obtained by a Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. The Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to calculate the cumulative incidence of RCE.Results: In total, 564 AKC patients and 406 non-AKC controls developed RCE during the follow-up span. The incidence of RCE was 1.45 times higher in AKC patients than in controls (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27–1.64; P < 0.0001). After adjusting for potential confounders, including diabetes mellitus, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, corneal transplantation, ocular blunt trauma, corneal dystrophy, and band keratopathy, AKC patients were 1.36 times more likely to develop RCE than controls (adjusted HR, 1.36; 95% CI = 1.19–1.54; p < 0.05).Conclusions: AKC Patients had an increased risk of developing RCE and should be informed of this risk.

A case report of recurrent corneal erosion post-blepharoplasty

Our purpose is to report a case of recurrent corneal erosion post Asian blepharoplasty or double-eyelid surgery. The patient was initially treated with bandage contact lens, lubricants, and mild steroids with temporary improvement. Complete resolution of symptoms was achieved only following suture removal. Upper eyelid eversion with proper exploration of the fornix is key to identify hidden sutures.