Blueberry eye: acquired total anterior staphyloma after a fungal corneal ulcer

Cornea. 2009 Feb;28(2):231-2. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0b013e318183a3d1.

Abstract

Purposes: The purposes of this study were to report the presentation and management of an acquired total anterior staphyloma that resulted from a fungal corneal ulcer and to discuss its pathogenesis.

Methods: Observational case report. Clinical observation and surgical intervention of a patient who developed a total anterior staphyloma after a partially treated fungal corneal ulcer.

Results: The patient presented with a large traumatic fungal ulcer but was poorly compliant with follow-up and medications. He subsequently presented with a large total anterior staphyloma that resulted from perforation of the ulcer with plugging of the defect with iris and formation of a pseudocornea over the iris. The anterior staphyloma measured 15 x 16 mm and progressed to a stage where the patient was unable to close his eyelids and required a sclerokeratoplasty. Currently, vision is poor from amblyopia and a cloudy graft; however, the eye is intact and comfortable.

Conclusions: Anterior staphylomas usually result from untreated fungal ulcers in developing nations. Poor compliance with medications and follow-up was the cause of our patient's anterior staphyloma. Sclerokeratoplasty can restore the globe structurally but has poor visual prognosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amblyopia / complications
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Corneal Diseases / etiology*
  • Corneal Diseases / pathology
  • Corneal Diseases / surgery
  • Corneal Transplantation
  • Corneal Ulcer / complications*
  • Corneal Ulcer / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycoses / complications*
  • Mycoses / drug therapy
  • Patient Compliance
  • Sclera / surgery
  • Vision, Low / etiology

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents