Corneal ulcer associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the application of the amniotic membrane in the perforated corneal ulcer of rheumatic genesis. It has been established that amniotic membrane coating in corneal ulcer of rheumatic genesis is a safe and effective method in ophthalmic emergencies and allows subsequent Keratoplasty to improve visual acuity. Case presentation. A 72 y. o man presented to our clinic with left eye pain, redness, foreign body sensation. In 2015 perforated corneal ulcer covered with amniotic membrane. Now Visus OS= 1/100. The central area adjacent to the leukoma - Fluorescein test +, which is why I later advocated the application of a therapeutic lens. Methods and materials. Publications and thematic studies were reviewed from Pubmed and (PMC) US National Library of Medicine from 2010-2021. Results. The study showed an improvement in visual acuity in patients with peripheral perforated corneal ulcer (from 3 / 10-5 / 10 in preoperative to 4 / 10-8 / 10 in postoperative) and in patients with paracentral perforated corneal ulcer (from at 1 / 10-3 / 10 at 4 / 10-6 / 10), while in patients with centrally perforated corneal ulcer, visual acuity remained the same (1 / 200-1 / 100). In 3 patients with centrally perforated corneal ulcer, perforating keratoplasty was performed 1 year after amniotic membrane application. After removal of the corneal sutures, visual acuity increased to 3 / 10-5 / 10. Conclusion. Amnion membrane coating in corneal ulcer of rheumatic genesis is a safe and effective method in ophthalmic emergencies and allows subsequent keratoplasty to improve visual acuity.