Purpose: To assess the efficacy of intracameral perfluoropropane (C3F8) and compression sutures in patients with acute corneal hydrops.
Design: Interventional case series.
Methods: Seventeen patients with acute hydrops were treated. Fifteen patients with stromal clefts underwent C3F8 intracameral injection with compression sutures and 2 had only C3F8 injection. The time taken for the resolution of corneal edema and the best-corrected visual acuity were assessed.
Results: Of the 17 patients, 11 were males and 6 were females with an average age of 15.0 +/- 4.99 years. The presenting visual acuity ranged from hand movements to 2/60. The average period between the onset of acute hydrops and intracameral injection was 11.0 +/- 10.01 days. The corneal edema resolved in 8.87 +/- 4.98 days with C3F8 and compression sutures. The average period of persistence of bubble in the anterior chamber was 10.75 +/- 2.62 days. No complications were noted. Suture removal was done on an average of 3.7 weeks (2-6 weeks) after the procedure. The average period of follow-up was 6.56 months (1-12 months). The final best-corrected visual acuity improved in all but 2 cases.
Conclusions: The combined use of intracameral gas and compression sutures in corneal hydrops with stromal clefts is an effective and safe modality of treatment. It also prevents use of repeat gas injection.