Resolution of Corneal Dellen After an Uneventful Pterygium Surgery with Punctal Cautery

Abstract

Corneal dellen are a rare and serious complication after primary pterygium surgery with conjunctival limbal autograft (CLAG) with fibrin glue without antimetabolites. Dellen are caused by interruptions of the tear film and local dehydration of the cornea. If untreated, they may lead to corneal perforation. We describe the case of a patient who developed corneal dellen 15 days after uneventful pterygium excision with CLAG with fibrin glue without the use of antimetabolites. There was no satisfactory response to lubricants and patching, and the patient had no associated systemic risk factors. As the thinning increased, cyanoacrylate glue with bandage contact lens was applied, but the dellen reappeared seven days after glue removal. Dellen finally resolved with thermal punctal cautery applied to both puncta. Dellen most commonly respond to artificial tears, antibiotic ointment, and patch application. However, in refractory cases, punctal cauterization can be considered as a good option to increase tear pooling in the area of dellen, thereby promoting healing.

Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis: A Review

“…If untreated, corneal dellen can be complicated by perforation, but use of artificial tears and patching, in association with treating the elevated paralimbal tissue, helps the cornea to heal within a few weeks. [ 122 , 123 , 124 ]…”