This is the case of Mrs. H.T.D. (born in 1962, residing in Duc Trong district, Lam Dong province). Mrs. D. has a long history of chronic left eye keratitis with large corneal scars.
At the end of January, the patient began experiencing pain and discomfort in her left eye. Recently, she heard a “pop” sound inside her eye, followed by severe bleeding, leading her family to rush her to an ophthalmology hospital in a state of panic.
Upon examination, doctors diagnosed her with a corneal perforation at the site of previous keratitis, accompanied by prolapse of intraocular structures through the perforation. At the time of examination, she was completely blind.
The patient’s left eye had a corneal perforation upon admission (Photo: Hospital).
The patient was treated with systemic medication, topical eye drops, and intravitreal injections to reduce the risk of further severe endophthalmitis. Once her left eye stabilized, doctors performed a conjunctival graft surgery to repair the corneal perforation.
This procedure helped seal the perforation, preserving the eye for the patient, ensuring both aesthetic and functional integrity while minimizing complications for the remaining eye.
Post-surgery, the patient is gradually recovering well.
Dr. Huynh Thi Xuan Thao, Head of the Ophthalmology Department, explained that corneal perforation is a condition where a hole or tear appears in the cornea, the outermost layer of the eye.
Corneal perforation can result from various corneal disorders such as keratitis, surface corneal diseases, autoimmune conditions, or penetrating injuries to the cornea.
Doctors examining the patient’s eye after surgery (Photo: Hospital).
Immediate intervention is crucial to restore ocular integrity and minimize secondary complications such as endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, choroidal hemorrhage, and increased intraocular pressure.
Corneal perforation can occur due to various reasons, including infections that progressively thin the cornea, such as keratitis, which is a common cause.
Keratitis often leads to reduced vision due to corneal opacity. Patients with long-term low vision who neglect regular follow-ups are at higher risk of developing corneal perforations.
Dr. Thao advises patients with existing or previous eye conditions, particularly corneal issues, to properly care for their eyes and undergo regular check-ups at specialized medical facilities to ensure eye health.
