# Corneal Melt and Perforation Associated With Prolonged Oral Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Use: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A case report shows that long-term use of oral NSAIDs may lead to corneal melt and perforation, a rare but serious eye condition.

## Contribution

This report highlights a potential link between prolonged oral NSAID use and corneal complications in a previously healthy patient.

## Key findings

- A patient developed corneal melt and perforation after one year of self-administering oral NSAIDs.
- The case suggests a possible association between prolonged oral NSAID use and impaired corneal healing.
- Healthcare providers should consider this risk when prescribing long-term oral NSAIDs.

## Abstract

Corneal melt and perforation can arise from various etiologies, including the use of toxic topical drops, particularly topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The literature has frequently documented the association between the use of topical NSAIDs and the subsequent development of corneal ulcers. More recently, reports have emerged linking the use of oral NSAIDs and colchicine to impaired corneal wound healing and corneal perforation. This case report presents an instance of corneal melting and subsequent perforation in a medically unburdened patient who had been self-administering oral NSAIDs for one year. The evidence presented in this report suggests a plausible association between the prolonged administration of oral NSAIDs and corneal melt. Consequently, healthcare practitioners should be mindful of this potential risk when considering the prolonged use of oral NSAIDs.