# Intrastromal autologous blood injection for treating corneal hydrops

## TL;DR

This paper describes a new technique using a patient's own blood to treat severe corneal swelling, showing improved vision and faster recovery.

## Contribution

The study introduces intrastromal autologous blood injection as a novel treatment for severe corneal hydrops.

## Key findings

- Corneal edema resolved within 1 week in 5 patients, within 1 month in 11, and within 3 months in 3.
- Best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly at 3 months with minimal complications.

## Abstract

To describe the technique and outcomes of intrastromal autologous blood
injection in patients with severe corneal hydrops.

Nineteen patients with corneal hydrops underwent intrastromal autologous
blood injection. Postoperative assessments included best-corrected visual
acuity and time to resolution of corneal edema.

Corneal edema resolved within 1 week in 5 patients, within 1 month in 11, and
within 3 months in 3. The mean duration of edema persistence was 37.94
± 33.05 days (range, 6–124). Corneal thickness decreased from 2.06
± 0.71-mm preoperatively to 1.34 ± 0.65-mm at day 7, 0.85
± 0.56-mm at day 30, and 0.57 ± 0.13-mm at day 90
(p<0.001). Descemet’s membrane (DM) detachment decreased from 1.01
± 0.75-mm to 0.44 ± 0.57-mm, 0.24 ± 0.36-mm, and 0.08
± 0.11-mm on postoperative days 7, 30, and 90, respectively
(p<0.001). DM break size decreased from 1.12 ± 1.19-mm to 0.62
± 0.84-mm at 3 months (p<0.005). Three patients developed
hematocornea; no other major complications were observed. At 3 months, mean
best-corrected visual acuity improved from 2.37 ± 0.66 to 0.41
± 0.17 logMAR with hard contact lenses (p<0.001).

Intrastromal autolo gous blood injection is an effective treatment for severe
corneal hydrops, promoting faster edema resolution and visual improvement
with minimal complications.