Scleral grafting for necrotizing scleritis

Abstract

Although systemic immunosuppressive chemotherapy is effective in halting progressive necrotizing scleritis, the onset of its action may be too slow to prevent profound scleral thinning and/or traumatic or spontaneous perforation. Scleral homografts may be used to maintain the integrity of the globe until immunosuppressive drugs can take effect. The authors reviewed their experience with scleral homografts in 12 patients with progressive necrotizing scleritis; eight (all with autoimmune disease) had concomitant chemotherapy and four (two with autoimmune disease) did not. Grafts remained stable in patients receiving both surgical and drug therapy over a mean follow-up of 12 months. One graft melted after discontinuation of chemotherapy, but regrafting and renewed immunosuppression salvaged the eye. Grafts in two of the patients not initially given chemotherapy melted rapidly (within 14 and 45 days, respectively). Both eyes were salvaged by regrafting and/or addition of chemotherapy. Though rarely successful by itself against necrotizing scleritis, scleral grafting is a useful adjunct to chemotherapy.