Delayed Onset Scleromalacia and Conjunctival Bleb Formation Following Intraoperative Mitomycin C Application during Conjunctival Melanoma Excision

Abstract

Purpose: To present a case of delayed onset scleromalacia and conjunctival bleb formation one year after conjunctival melanoma excision with intraoperative use of mitomycin-C (MMC) and double-freeze-thaw technique. Methods: Case report. Results: A 69-year-old woman had a conjunctival melanoma excised by the ‘no touch technique’ with intraoperative application of 0.02% MMC for 3 min on bare sclera, freeze-thaw cryotherapy and amniotic membrane transplant performed elsewhere. Three months later, she presented to us with a red, sore and painful right eye. Examination revealed severe scleritis. She was treated with lubricants and oral steroids for 6 weeks. She settled well with no recurrence of melanoma. At one year, she developed scleromalacia and conjunctival blebs in the inferonasal quadrant of right eye. She remains under closer observation as she is at high risk of perforation. Conclusion: Caution should be exercised with intraoperative use of MMC on bare sclera during excision and cryotherapy of conjunctival melanoma. As published in the literature, when using MMC, it is recommended to use the lowest dose topically in the form of eye drops in the postoperative period for the shortest time to avoid any sight-threatening complications.