J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2014 Sep;55(9):1376-1379. 10.3341/jkos.2014.55.9.1376.

Corneal Burn Caused by Carbon Dioxide Ultrapulsed Laser for Nevus Removal

• Kim YH
• Ahn MW
• Lee JS

• KMID: 2217124
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2014.55.9.1376

Abstract

PURPOSE
Periocular carbon dioxide ultrapulsed laser surgery can induce ocular damage. Herein we report a rare case of corneal burn after carbon dioxide ultrapulsed laser for nevus removal.
CASE SUMMARY
A 25-year-old female patient presented with ocular pain, decreased visual acuity, and metamorphopsia in the left eye after laser surgery for nevus removal at a dermatology clinic 4 days prior. The patient's best corrected visual acuity in the left eye was 20/100. Central corneal haziness and corneal epithelial defect were observed on biomicroscopic examination. Antibiotics, steroid and artificial tear eye drops were administered for treatment. Glasses were prescribed to correct refraction errors. After 2 months of treatment, the best corrected visual acuity in the left eye recovered to 20/50, and corneal epithelial defect was mostly healed, however corneal haziness remained.
CONCLUSIONS
Carbon dioxide ultrapulsed laser is commonly used in dermatological treatments. The use of an eye shield is important during this procedure, and possibility of ocular surface damage from laser treatment should be considered.

Keyword

Carbon dioxide ultrapulsed laser; CO2 laser; Corneal burn; Eye shield; Nevus removal

MeSH Terms

Adult
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Burns*
Carbon Dioxide*
Dermatology
Eyeglasses
Female
Glass
Humans
Laser Therapy
Lasers, Gas
Nevus*
Ophthalmic Solutions
Tears
Vision Disorders
Visual Acuity
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Carbon Dioxide
Ophthalmic Solutions

Figure

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  Figure 1. Corneal haziness and epithelial defect, staining of fluorescein were seen on left eye (arrow indicated). i-Trace® (Tracey Technology Inc., Houston, TX) topographic image, it is corresponded to corneal lesion. Local ROC Map = tangential map.

• 

  Figure 2. Corneal mild haziness remained but epithelial defect was healed on left eye (arrow indicated). On i-Trace® (Tracey Technology Inc., Houston, TX) topographic image, astigmatism and irregular surface were partially recovered.

Reference

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