Targeting The Feeder Vessel: A Simple Approach To Herpetic Corneal Neovascularization

Corneal neovascularization is a common and potentially vision-threatening consequence of herpetic keratitis, frequently resulting in corneal opacity. This study aims to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of feeder vessel cauterization at the limbal region.

A case series was performed at a tertiary-care university hospital in Larissa, Greece, involving patients treated in both the inpatient and outpatient ophthalmology departments.

We present three cases of patients with a history of herpetic corneal disease who exhibited persistent superficial and deep corneal neovascularization, accompanied by corneal opacity and visual impairment. Despite medical therapy, neovascularization remained active. Cauterization of the feeder vessel was conducted at the limbus under topical anesthesia, focusing on the identifiable supplying vessel.

In all three cases, significant regression of corneal neovascularization was observed within the first days following the procedure, accompanied by notable improvement in corneal clarity and visual acuity. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported, and no reactivation of herpetic disease occurred during the follow-up period.

Cauterizing the feeder vessel at the limbus represents a simple, fast, targeted, and effective therapeutic approach for selected cases of herpetic corneal neovascularization, offering a valuable alternative when conservative treatment proves insufficient.