Two Cases of Corneal Neovascularization Treatment Using High-frequency Radio Wave Electrosurgery

Abstract

Purpose: To report two cases of treatment using high-frequency radio wave electrosurgery for corneal neovascularization that recurred after medication and laser photocoagulation attempts. Case summary: (Case 1) A 53-year-old man visited our hospital complaining of corneal opacity. The best-corrected visual acuity in the left eye was 0.6. Lipid keratopathy indicated new inferior vessels. There was no significant change in corneal opacity after medication and laser photocoagulation; however, the recurrence of feeder vessels was observed. Therefore, electrocautery was performed via high-frequency radio wave electrosurgery. Visual acuity, measured 1 month later, improved to 0.9. Over the subsequent 4-year observation period, new vessels did not recur and the corneal opacity decreased gradually. (Case 2) A 23-year-old woman visited complaining of left eye pain. She had undergone laser photocoagulation three times for corneal new vessels. Visual acuity in her left eye was 0.4. Recurrence of new vessels at the upper cornea was observed, and electrocautery was performed. After 2 months, corneal opacity decreased without revascularization, and visual acuity improved to 0.5. Conclusions: In patients with corneal neovascularization, electrocautery using high-frequency radio wave electrosurgery is simple and effective and can reduce corneal opacity and improve vision without complications.