This case report of one patient shows a remarkable treatment possibility for severe ocular rosacea. The patient also suffered from papulopustular rosacea and rhinophyma and did not respond to full dose doxycycline. Three attempts to glue his perforated cornea failed. The paper suggests that corneal perforation is quite rare in ocular rosacea.
The amniotic membrane transplant was a success, both sealing the perforation, and restoring good vision.
Amniotic membrane transplantation in ocular rosacea.
Ann Ophthalmol (Skokie). 2007;39(1):71-3, Jain AK, Sukhija J
A 40-year-old patient with the diagnosis of acne rosacea presented with perforated peripheral corneal ulcer. Three applications of cyanoacrylate glue along with bandage contact lens failed to seal the perforation. Two months after the presentation, corneal perforation was successfully managed with amniotic membrane transplantation. The final best corrected visual acuity of 6/6 was achieved.
Severe ocular rosacea symptoms like corneal thinning have been seen in around 7% of ocular rosacea sufferers. Research shows that a perforated cornea is very rare. Thankfully there are now a few treatment options available should you develop this condition.
Here is a shot of what the membrane transplant looks like (arrowed). The author kindly supplied a draft copy of the full article (3 pages), email me if you are interested in reading it.
This continues to be the best website on the internet for rosacea. Damn good work, and keep it up!
Ben you are far too kind ! but thanks anyway, I appreciate your comments.
davidp.