Biomaterial Database

Cortisone, heparin and argon laser in the treatment of corneal neovascularization. 1987

P Tommila, and P Summanen, and T Tervo

Department of Ophthalmology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.

Chemical burns and contact lenses can induce corneal neovascularization. The pathogenic mechanisms of angiogenesis are not well understood. A heparin-cortisone combination has been shown to inhibit traumatic angiogenesis and argon laser photocoagulation has been useful in the treatment of corneal graft neovascularization. We describe three patients treated for corneal neovascularization with these methods. Tear fluid plasmin levels were also monitored. The corneal neovascularization was caused by contact lens use in two patients, and by a severe chemical burn in one patient. Subconjunctival cortisone injections proved to be efficient in the treatment of the contact lens induced corneal neovascularization. Corneal argon laser photocoagulation seemed to have an additional effect. The role of topical heparin remained unclear. The tear fluid plasmin levels were not significantly elevated.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008028	Light Coagulation	The coagulation of tissue by an intense beam of light, including laser (LASER COAGULATION). In the eye it is used in the treatment of retinal detachments, retinal holes, aneurysms, hemorrhages, and malignant and benign neoplasms. (Dictionary of Visual Science, 3d ed)	Photocoagulation,Coagulation, Light,Coagulations, Light,Light Coagulations,Photocoagulations
D008297	Male		Males
D009389	Neovascularization, Pathologic	A pathologic process consisting of the proliferation of blood vessels in abnormal tissues or in abnormal positions.	Angiogenesis, Pathologic,Angiogenesis, Pathological,Neovascularization, Pathological,Pathologic Angiogenesis,Pathologic Neovascularization,Pathological Angiogenesis,Pathological Neovascularization
D002057	Burns, Chemical	Burns caused by contact with or exposure to CAUSTICS or strong ACIDS.	Chemical Burns,Burn, Chemical,Chemical Burn
D003263	Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic	Soft, supple contact lenses made of plastic polymers which interact readily with water molecules. Many types are available, including continuous and extended-wear versions, which are gas-permeable and easily sterilized.	Lenses, Contact, Hydrophilic,Soft Contact Lenses,Hydrophilic Contact Lens,Soft Contact Lens,Contact Lens, Hydrophilic,Contact Lens, Soft,Contact Lenses, Soft,Hydrophilic Contact Lenses,Lens, Hydrophilic Contact,Lens, Soft Contact,Lenses, Hydrophilic Contact,Lenses, Soft Contact
D003315	Cornea	The transparent anterior portion of the fibrous coat of the eye consisting of five layers: stratified squamous CORNEAL EPITHELIUM; BOWMAN MEMBRANE; CORNEAL STROMA; DESCEMET MEMBRANE; and mesenchymal CORNEAL ENDOTHELIUM. It serves as the first refracting medium of the eye. It is structurally continuous with the SCLERA, avascular, receiving its nourishment by permeation through spaces between the lamellae, and is innervated by the ophthalmic division of the TRIGEMINAL NERVE via the ciliary nerves and those of the surrounding conjunctiva which together form plexuses. (Cline et al., Dictionary of Visual Science, 4th ed)	Corneas
D003348	Cortisone	A naturally occurring glucocorticoid that has been used in replacement therapy for ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Cortisone itself is inactive; it is converted in the liver to the active metabolite HYDROCORTISONE. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p726)	17-Hydroxy-3,11,20-trioxopregn-4-en-21-yl acetate,Adreson,Cortisone Acetate,Cortone Acetate
D005126	Eye Burns	Injury to any part of the eye by extreme heat, chemical agents, or ultraviolet radiation.	Burn, Eye,Burns, Eye,Eye Burn
D005260	Female		Females
D005341	Fibrinolysin	A product of the lysis of plasminogen (profibrinolysin) by PLASMINOGEN activators. It is composed of two polypeptide chains, light (B) and heavy (A), with a molecular weight of 75,000. It is the major proteolytic enzyme involved in blood clot retraction or the lysis of fibrin and quickly inactivated by antiplasmins.	Plasmin,Fibrogammin,Glu-Plasmin,Protease F,Thrombolysin,Glu Plasmin