Scleral Reinforcement
About Ophthalmic Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery of the eye takes place following irreparable damage to the eye’s integrity. Such damage can result following trauma, iatrogenic damage (damage caused during a surgical procedure) or as a result of an inflammatory/connective tissue disease process. In these instances, the tissue can incur such damage that direct and immediate closure becomes impossible, making patching the area with preserved and processed tissue the only treatment option.
Scleral Thinning and Staphyloma
Scleral thinning and staphyloma are conditions that weaken the eye’s structure. Scleral thinning makes the sclera appear bluish due to its thinness, while staphyloma involves bulging of the sclera or cornea, leading to vision issues. Current scleral reinforcement methods include posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR), collagen cross-linking, and biomaterial implants. PSR can help control myopia progression but may cause complications like infection and inflammation.
Collagen cross-linking strengthens the sclera but may not suit all patients and can cause discomfort. Biomaterial implants are promising, but their long-term safety and effectiveness need more research.
Scleral thinning can be a result of excessive use of mitomycin C. This medication is often used in eye surgeries, such as pterygium excision and trabeculectomy, to prevent scar formation. However, overuse of mitomycin C can lead to complications, including scleral thinning and even scleral melt