Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group
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2013 OMIG Abstract 18

When is a Scar a Scar?
Deborah S. Jacobs, MD, and Karen G. Carrasquillo, OD, PhD
Boston Foundation for Sight, Needham, MA

Purpose: To review the natural history of corneal opacity in presumed HSV neurotrophic keratitis.

Methods: Retrospective case series.

Results: Two cases of chronic unilateral corneal ulceration and opacity, of greater than 1 year duration, in a child under age 12, are presented. Medical and surgical treatment of presumed herpes simplex neurotrophic keratitis failed to result in resolution of meta-herpetic ulceration and stromal haze. At no time did either case manifest endothelial keratitis. With addition of Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosytem (PROSE) treatment there was durable stability of the ocular surface and improvement in corneal opacity and visual acuity.

Conclusion: Extent of irreversible corneal scarring cannot be determined in the presence of ocular surface disease related to presumed HSV neurotrophic keratitis. There is potential for clearing of longstanding corneal opacity, and for improvement in visual acuity, with PROSE treatment of presumed HSV neurotrophic keratitis.

Disclosure: E – Drs. Jacobs and Carrasquillo are both full-time salaried employees of 501(c)3 Boston Foundation for Sight. Neither has any proprietary or financial interest in any contact lens or prosthetic device.

2013 Agenda and Abstracts | < Previous | Next >