Effect of postoperative subconjunctival corticosteroid injections in a multimodal approach for the treatment of severe symblepharon

Aims/Purpose: To report on the impact of additional subconjunctival corticosteroid injections in a subsequent multimodal treatment of a challenging case of symblepharon following a Roper Hall Grade III chemical burn.

History and signs: A 42-year-old male patient was referred due to multiple failed treatment attempts for his corneal disease and severe symblepharon formation. The initial cause of the accident was a chemical burn on the right eye (OD) caused by potassium hydroxide. At the time of referral, extensive ocular surface damage was present with corneal vascularization, fibrovascular pannus, persistent central corneal ulcer, distichiasis, upper eyelid nasal entropion, and limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), with visual acuity reduced to finger counting.

Results: To treat this patient's condition, we adopted a multimodal three-step approach. The first step was to reconstruct the fornix, with additional preoperatively intensive topical therapy with autologous serum drops and antibiotic eye drops to reepithelialize the corneal ulcer. In the crucial postoperative period, we administered a subconjunctival injection of 0.5ml betamethasone and a week later 1ml triamcinolone to prevent recurrence of symblepharon. The healing process went well and there were no further signs of symblepharon recurrence three months later. To improve tissue modulation, we administered a subconjunctival injection of triamcinolone again to achieve a more lasting effect and planned step two, which included a limbal stem cell transplant and lastly a penetrating keratoplasty as the final step.

Conclusions: There are numerous therapeutic approaches to treat symblepharon, which are primarily based on surgical procedures and these remain an important cornerstone for the chances of recovery. In addition to surgical treatment, postoperative adjustment is also crucial for success. With our new approach we took action in the fibrosis formation process by administering early postoperative subconjunctival injections, this to achieve better bioavailability.