Risk factors, diagnostics and treatment of corneal melting after cataract phacoemulsification

Inflammatory complications of cataract phacoemulsification are among the most urgent and potentially vision-threatening conditions. Corneal melting is a rare but clinically significant condition preceding corneal perforation. The main risk factors are the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), severe dry eye disease and rheumatic diseases. The paper presents a literature review and offers an analysis of a clinical case of corneal melting after cataract phacoemulsification in a female patient with severe dry eye disease, which was undiagnosed before surgery. The follow-up period was 5 years. The possibilities and limitations of multiple methods of corneal melting treatment at the stages of persistent epithelial defect and corneal ulcer are discussed. The mechanism of disease development and its link with the pathogenesis of dry eye disease and the role of topical NSAIDs as a trigger for the initiation and progression of corneal melting are considered.