Abstract:
Purpose: To assess the efficacy of full-thickness mucous membrane grafts in forming a total and permanent corneal cover. Methods: The records of all patients with a phthisical globe or microphthalmos who underwent a corneal covering procedure to allow comfortable wearing of a cosmetic scleral shell between March 1999 and July 2004 were reviewed. Results: Ten eyes underwent a Gunderson conjunctival flap (group A), and 9 eyes underwent a full-thickness mucous membrane graft (group B). In group A, 3 eyes had total flap retraction and one eye had partial flap retraction. In group B, only one eye had partial graft retraction. The flap retraction in group A occurred in those eyes with a corneal diameter of 9 mm or more. Conclusions: The results from this small series of patients indicate that a full-thickness mucous membrane graft might be a better alternative for corneal coverage than a Gunderson conjunctival flap, especially in eyes with conjunctival scarring or relatively large corneal diameter. ©2005 The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc.