Tectonic Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty in Severe Ocular Chuna Particle Injury in a Child

A 10-year-old child presented to eye casualty with pain, watering and photophobia of the left eye for one month. Parents gave a history of chuna (lime) falling inside the eye one month back, following which the patient consulted at a primary health centre. However, there was no relief of symptoms and the patient was referred to a higher centre. On examination under anaesthesia, the eye was full of chuna particles. Removal of all visible chuna particles and the corneal chuna plaque was planned. Intra-operatively, the stromal melt was noted around the corneal chuna plaque extending up to Descemet’s membrane. Microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography (Mi-OCT) guided removal of corneal chuna particles was done. A tectonic deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) along with amniotic membrane graft (AMG) and symblepharon ring placement was done. Two weeks post-operatively, the patient was having a persistent epithelial defect. A repeat AMG with a symblepharon ring was done. On one month follow-up, the epithelial defect had healed. This case emphasises the fact that ocular chemical injuries are an emergency requiring urgent and apt management. In cases of severe ocular chuna injury with delayed presentation, removal of all particles, maintenance of globe integrity and ocular surface restoration is a challenging goal. Healing is slow and visual prognosis is generally guarded in such cases.