In this procedure, the anterior layers of cornea are removed and replaced with donor tissue, leaving the endothelial layer and the descemets membrane in place. Optical iridectomy
Optical iridectomy creates a clear entrance pupil, improving vision in patients with segmental corneal opacities. An area of clear peripheral cornea can produce retinal images compatible with good visual acuity. Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK)
Excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is useful in superficial (nebular) corneal opacities. Tattooing of scar
Keratopigmentation or corneal tattooing is a procedure used for centuries to improve the cosmetic appearance of corneal scars. Tattooing will not improve vision. For tattooing procedure Indian black ink, gold or platinum may be used. Techniques
Staining method: In this technique, tattoo ink is directly applied to anterior surface of cornea. Benefits of this procedure include fast procedure with uniform dye application. Risk of fading is a main drawback. Femtosecond laser-assisted corneal tattooing: Femtosecond laser-assisted corneal tattooing is a new corneal tattooing technique, with many benefits. Keratoprosthesis
Keratoprosthesis is a surgical procedure where damaged or opaque cornea is replaced with an artificial cornea. Artificial corneas currently in commercial use include Boston keratoprosthesis, Osteo-Odonto-Keratoprosthesis (OOKP), AlphaCor, KeraKlear Artificial Cornea etc. Epidemiology
Corneal opacity is the 4th main cause of blindness globally (5.1%). Using the World Health Organizations (WHO; Geneva, Switzerland) blindness definition,1 45 million people worldwide are bilaterally blind, of which 6 to 8 million are blind due to corneal disease. In some African areas, nearly 90% of the total blindness is due to corneal pathology.
Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid medication used to treat rheumatic problems, a number of skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, croup, brain swelling, eye pain following eye surgery, superior vena cava syndrome (a complication of some forms of cancer), and along with antibiotics in tuberculosis. In adrenocortical insufficiency, it may be used in combination with a mineralocorticoid medication such as fludrocortisone. In preterm labor, it may be used to improve outcomes in the baby. It may be given by mouth, as an injection into a muscle, as an injection into a vein, as a topical cream or ointment for the skin or as a topical ophthalmic solution to the eye. The effects of dexamethasone are frequently seen within a day and last for about three days.The long-term use of dexamethasone may result in thrush, bone loss, cataracts, easy bruising, or muscle weakness. It is in pregnancy category C in the United States, meaning that it should only be used when the benefits are predicted to be greater than the risks. In Australia, the oral use is category A, meaning it has been frequently used in pregnancy and not been found to cause problems to the baby. It should not be taken when breastfeeding. Dexamethasone has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects.Dexamethasone was first synthesized in 1957 by Philip Showalter Hench and was approved for medical use in 1958. It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines.