Long term outcome of Tenon’s patch graft in corneal perforation secondary to neurotrophic keratitis: A case report on a 4-year anatomical functional outcome

INTRODUCTION: This report describes the long-term outcomes of Tenon’s patch graft (TPG) in a corneal perforation secondary to neurotrophic keratitis and outcome of subsequent successful cataract surgery. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: A 60-year gentleman presented with a corneal perforation secondary to Herpes Zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). After multiple unsuccessful attempts of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive application over the perforation, he was referred for a corneal patch graft. Following TPG, he had a tectonically stable cornea that was managed with topical steroids and prophylactic oral Acyclovir. Sequential imaging of the cornea using high-resolution anterior segment- optical coherence tomography (HR-ASOCT) was done to monitor wound healing. Fifteen months later, he underwent uneventful cataract surgery with best-corrected visual acuity improving to 20/30 at 1-month. DISCUSSION: Serial imaging of the site of perforation with HR-ASOCT revealed that a fluffy, oedematous TPG in the early postoperative period transitioned into a hyper-reflective, thin, and compact graft over 3-4 months. Despite the corneal thickness at the site of perforation being only 142 μm, the wound had adequate tensile strength to withstand the altered anterior chamber dynamics during phacoemulsification. The resultant translucent nature of the scar provided superior media clarity and better visual outcomes. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the efficacy of TPG in acute phase management of corneal perforation following HZO thereby restoring the tensile strength of the cornea, enabling it to withstand the stress of future surgeries like phacoemulsification.