Use of split-thickness dermal graft in the surgical treatment of corneal and scleral defects

Abstract

We used split-thickness dermal grafts for the surgical treatment of corneal and scleral perforations in two patients and obtained excellent results. Patient 1 had severe lye burns and bilateral corneal perforations and Patient 2 had scleromalacia perforans. The dermal graft self-epithelializes and, thus, does not need to be covered by conjunctiva; is supple, without the bulkiness of other materials, particularly cartilage and periosteum; is hearty and flourishes on avascular surfaces such as cornea and sclera; has good tensile strength; and is autogenous.