Treatment strategies for the management of acute hydrops

Abstract

Acute corneal hydrops is a condition characterized by marked stromal edema attributable to leakage of aqueous humor through a rupture in Descemet's membrane. In addition to the clinical examination, imaging options include ultrasound biomicroscopy, anterior segment optical coherence tomography and in vivo confocal microscopy. While it is a self-limiting condition, the duration of acute hydrops is an important factor linked to complications such as neovascularization. Therapeutic options may relieve symptoms and/or reduce healing time; these include conservative, medical and/or surgical therapies. Several new medical and surgical management options have been reported in the past few years and will be discussed in this article.

Keywords: Acute corneal hydrops; Corneal ectasia; Corneal edema; Ectasie cornéenne; Hydrops; Hydrops cornéen aigu; Keratocone; Keratoconus; Oedeme cornéen.