Evaluation of Epithelial Downgrowth Using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography: A Case Report

Abstract

Epithelial downgrowth is a rare, sight-threatening complication which can develop following anterior segment surgeries with corneal incisions. However, due to translucent nature of epithelial membrane and diversity of clinical signs, epithelial downgrowth usually goes undiagnosed until its late stages. Use of anterior segment imaging techniques may be utilized to ease the diagnosis of cases with clinical suspicion of epithelial downgrowth. An 83-year-old male patient with a history of cataract surgery three years ago was clinically diagnosed as epithelial downgrowth, and argon laser photocoagulation was applied on the iris to confirm clinical suspect, but no bleaching was seen on the iris. Later on, anterior segment optical coherence tomography was performed to visualize the epithelial membrane and its relationship with anterior segment structures. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography was found to be useful for supporting the clinical suspicion in this case which could not be confirmed by argon laser application. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2013; 43: 474-6)

Keywords

• Epithelial downgrowth
• cataract surgery complications
• anterior segment optical coherence tomography