Abstract
Purpose:
To describe a standardized regimen for the treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defects in patients with severe ocular surface diseases with extended-wear Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem (PROSE).
Methods:
Retrospective review of nine eyes of eight patients with persistent epithelial defects treated with a standardized extended-wear PROSE regimen. PROSE was worn 24 hours a day until at least 48 hours after complete corneal re-epithelialization was achieved. Device removal, device cleaning, disinfection, and replacement of the fluid reservoir were performed daily. A BAK-free fourth-generation quinolone antibiotic drop was added to the fluid reservoir for all patients.
Results:
All eight patients had complete resolution of the persistent epithelial defects and noted improvement in ocular symptoms. None of the patients developed microbial keratitis or recurrent epithelial defects.
Conclusions:
Extended-wear PROSE, using our standardized regimen, is an effective and safe treatment option for persistent epithelial defects in severe ocular surface diseases.
Keywords: 482 cornea: epithelium •
765 wound healing •
486 cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye