Epithelial map-guided anterior stromal micropuncture for the treatment of recurrent corneal erosion syndrome

PurposeTo introduce the use of corneal epithelial mapping by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) as an ancillary testing for the identification of areas of loose epithelial adherence in recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES), and the subsequent treatment of the latter with anterior stromal puncture (ASP).MethodsFive patients were presented with RCES following traumatic corneal abrasions. Following resolution of acute episodes, AS-OCT epithelial mapping was performed revealing in all patients an area of increased epithelial thickness (hot spot) corresponding to the site of loose attachment of the epithelium to the epithelial basement membrane. ASP to the area of epithelial thickening, as delineated by the epithelial map, was performed.ResultsTo date, none of the patients has shown any signs of disease recurrence over a period ranging from 6 to 20months following the application of epithelial map-guided ASP.ConclusionsAS-OCT epithelial mapping can reveal the exact area of loose epithelial adherence in RCES. Hence, epithelial mapping can delineate the target area for treatment with ASP and may decrease the high failure rates of ASP.