Rev Bras Oftalmol.2026;85:e0058
Use of compression sutures and intracameral injection of perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas in the management of acute corneal hydrops in a pediatric patient: a case report
DOI: 10.37039/1982.8551.20260058
ABSTRACT
Acute corneal hydrops is an ophthalmologic emergency resulting from rupture of Descemet’s membrane with entry of aqueous humor into the corneal stroma. Patients typically present with ocular pain, blurred vision, photophobia, and tearing. The main risk factors include trauma due to ocular itching, allergic keratoconjunctivitis, corneal ectasia, and Down syndrome. Although a rare complication, it is most commonly associated with keratoconus. Clinical treatment with eye drops should always be initiated, but in advanced cases, combined surgical intervention may be necessary. This case describes a 7-year-old male patient with corneal hydrops that did not improve with conservative treatment. Compressive corneal sutures and perfluoropropane gas injection into the anterior chamber were indicated, resulting in significant symptomatic improvement. Subsequent treatment with topical losartan was administered for visual rehabilitation, which acts on the cicatricial corneal opacity, resulting in long-term improvement in visual acuity.
