Strategies and Application of Compression Sutures With a Modified Technique for Rapid Resolution of Large (Grade III) Hydrops: A Prospective Interventional Study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the strategies and outcomes, with a modified technique, of compression sutures in large acute hydrops.

Methods: This was a prospective interventional study in 29 eyes of 28 patients who underwent compression sutures using a modified technique. The degree of resolution after surgical intervention was quantified by 3 masked observers, using the slit-lamp photographic documentation and optical coherence tomography. The degree of resolution, best-corrected visual acuity, and complications were analyzed.

Results: The mean age was 20.89 (7-46) years. Five patients had pellucid marginal degeneration (pellucid marginal corneal degeneration), 23 had keratoconus, and 1 had posttrauma hydrops. The preoperative visual acuity was hand motions in all eyes. The reduction in edema was 76% on day 1, 91.6% on 6 ± 2 days, 98.6% on 18 ± 3 days from surgical intervention. The baseline pachymetry assessed on optical coherence tomography was beyond measurement in 26 eyes. The mean pachymetry at day 1 was 704 μm (range 480-950) which reduced to 607 (range 422-850) microns at 6 ± 2 days and 518 (range 415-718) microns at 18 ± 3 days postintervention ( P < 0.0001). The mean duration between the surgery and complete suture removal was 48 (35-68) days. No suture-related complications were noted. Twenty eyes could attain good visual rehabilitation with glasses/contact lenses (vision could not be assessed in 5 eyes). Penetrating keratoplasty was performed on 1 patient.

Conclusions: Compression sutures using the modified technique was safe and effective in the rapid resolution of acute hydrops in keratoconus and pellucid marginal corneal degeneration. No complications were noted, and visual restoration with spectacles and contact lenses was satisfactory.