The effectiveness of isobutyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive for the treatment of corneal perforations

PURPOSE: To study the results of treatment of corneal perforations with isobutyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: The charts of 20 patients (22 eyes) with corneal perforation :53 mm in size treated with isobutyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive were reviewed for etiology of perforation, visual outcome, and complications. RESULTS: Nine of the 22 eyes (40.9%) healed with application of adhesive alone. The mean interval of time needed for healing was 33.4 days. Visual acuity improved in seven eyes (77.8%) and remained stable in two (22.2%). Seven eyes (31.8%) proceeded to penetrating keratoplasty (PK) with the adhesive in place. Of these, visual acuity improved in five (71.4%), remained stable in one (14.3%), and decreased in one (14.3%). Six eyes (27.3%) required more than one application of adhesive. CONCLUSIONS: Isobutyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive is highly effective at treating corneal perforations. Approximately half of the perforations :53 mm healed and visual acuity improved in most of these eyes.