Tarsoconjunctival flap in scleral necrosis: report of three cases

Retalho tarsoconjuntival em necrose escleral: relato de três casos

ABSTRACT

To report a series of three cases (four eyes) of scleral necrosis after pterygium excision, in which the tarsoconjunctival flap technique was used as treatment. Three patients who progressed to scleral necrosis after surgical pterygium excision were selected. The first patient underwent excision using the bare sclera technique and developed scleral thinning in the immediate postoperative period. The second and third patients received beta irradiation and had late onset scleral necrosis. The tarsoconjunctival flap technique was performed by the same surgeon. Recovery was satisfactory from both anatomical and functional perspectives in all cases, and the technique was considered effective and safe. Although there are only few reports about this technique in the literature, it can be considered as a good alternative to treat scleral necrosis.

Keywords:
Pterygium/surgery; Scleral disease/therapy; Ophthalmologic surgical procedures