Introduction: The production of ultrasonic energy during phacoemulsification is associated with heat generation that could damage ocular tissues, particularly at the corneoscleral wound site.
Case presentation: This study presents an 89-year-old patient with senile hypermature cataract and Fuchs endothelial dystrophy developing severe thermal corneoscleral injury during phacoemulsification. At presentation, visual acuity was finger count at 40 cm and there was a 1 × 2-mm area of corneal melting at the corneal tunnel with diffuse corneal oedema. After 1 month, a temporal circular corneal patch graft was applied to the corneal burn. A penetrating keratoplasty was performed 16 months after the first surgery.
Conclusion: Corneal surgery, including lamellar patch grafts and full-thickness penetrating grafts, could be used, when necessary, to restore the cornea's integrity. These procedures could eliminate corneal scarring, decrease astigmatism, and improve vision in patients with phacoemulsification burns.
Keywords: Cataract extraction; Penetrating keratoplasty; Phacoemulsification; Thermal injury.
© 2024 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.