Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To measure changes in corneal thickness of eyes with Fuch’s dystrophy and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy after use of topical Dextran and correlate it to changes in visual acuity. Methods: Retrospective review of 10 patients with either Fuch's dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy who were treated with Dextran only. Prior to initiating therapy with Dextran, pachymetry readings and vision were taken. Treatment was begun in all patients with application of topical 10% colloidal Dextran solution in the affected eye(s) four times per day, including prior to sleep. Slit lamp examination, visual acuity measurements and pachymetry was performed on subsequent visits by either of two physicians. Results: Treatment periods ranged from 30 days to 167 days, with an average treatment period of 83 days. Average corneal pachymetry prior to Dextran treatment was 644.69 and average post–treatment pachymetry measurement was 629.92. Six out of thirteen (6/13) eyes experienced a decrease of corneal thickness by at least 20 micrometers after at least 1 month follow–up. Conclusions: Dextran was effective in reducing the corneal thickness in the majority of patients with Fuch's dystrophy and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.
Keywords: cornea: stroma and keratocytes • cornea: clinical science • pharmacology