ESCRS - POCOR196 - Use Of Umbilical Cord Patches And Smile Lenticule For Sealing Corneal Perforations

Use Of Umbilical Cord Patches And Smile Lenticule For Sealing Corneal Perforations

Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: POCOR196 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/zq9f-gh25

Authors: Dr Indu Bala* 1 , Dr Sonam Yangzes 1 , Dr Anchal Thakur 1 , Prof. Dr Amit Gupta 1

1Ophthalmology,PGIMER,Chandigarh,India

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of umbilical cord (UC) patch grafts and SMILE lenticule in managing corneal perforations

Setting

  • Study Design: prospective interventional study
  •  The study was conducted in Department of Ophthalmology at Postgraduate institute of Medical Education and  Research  Chandigarh , Chandigarh , India

Methods

  • Eight eyes with corneal perforations were operated . Five eyes underwent UC patch grafting and three eyes underwent SMILE lenticule grafting .  Postoperative outcomes were assessed using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT).

Results

  •  All patients showed improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at final follow-up. AS-OCT confirmed good graft integration with globe integrity and minimal stromal scarring.

Conclusions

  • The UC patch graft and SMILE Lenticule , due to its inherent thickness, tensile strength, and biocompatibility, effectively sealed corneal perforations with structural and visual recovery. UC grafting and SMILE Lenticule grafting appears to be a promising option in managing impending or small corneal perforations.