Management of a central corneal perforation in the emergency room: Tenon patch technique

PURPOSE: Corneal perforations are defined as a solution of continuity in the cornea. Usually, these cases evolve to the formation of a corneal-iridial scar or require surgical intervention. The tenon patch graft represents a good alternative to other methods and has many advantages. OBSERVATION: A 63-year-old patient who had been followed for severe dry eyes due to rheumatoid arthritis for 10 years presented to the emergency room with a central corneal perforation, partially sealed by the iris, accompanied by significant corneal edema in the right eye. Given the clinical picture that had been developing for 5 days, we decided to perform a tenon patch graft on the perforation. At 4 weeks of follow-up, globe integrity was maintained with a well-placed tenon patch. No evidence of leakage in the Seidel test was noted. CONCLUSION: The tenon patch graft represents a good alternative in the management of corneal perforations and has many advantages, among which the feasibility in an emergency, allowing a corneal graft afterwards.