Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to report the success and long-term outcomes of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (CTA) application in the management of corneal perforation disorders. METHODS: This retrospective case series describes the profile and outcomes of eyes that underwent CTA for corneal perforation over an 11-year period from January 2009 until January 2020 at a tertiary eye centre in the United Kingdom. RESULTS: In total, 25 eyes underwent CTA application during the study period. Non-traumatic sterile corneal melt was responsible in more than half of the cases (56.0%; n = 14) followed by infection (32.0%; n = 8) and trauma (12.0%; n = 3). Median size of perforation was 2.0 mm (interquartile range, IQR 1.0-3.0). The most common anatomical location of corneal perforation was central (56.0%; n = 14). Ocular surface disease was seen in almost all eyes except two (92.0%; n = 23) with dry eye disease being the most common (48.0%; n = 12). Amongst 23 eyes that completed follow-up (median 27 months; IQR 9.5-46.5), single CTA application was successful in achieving intact globe in 13 (56.5%) eyes and repeat gluing sealed total of 20 (86.9%) eyes. Survival analysis showed cumulative success of 71.0% and 51.2% at 90 and 250 days, respectively. The CTA was retained in the eyes for median of 94.0 days (IQR 30.0-140.5). A total of five patients developed adverse events, including endophthalmitis (n = 2), following CTA application. CONCLUSIONS: CTA was highly effective in sealing corneal perforations in acute setting and showed moderate long-term success. However, multiple applications are often required.