The Effectiveness of Isobutyl Cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesive for the Treatment of Corneal Perforations

To study the results of treatment of corneal perforations with isobutyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive. Retrospective case series. The charts of 20 patients (22 eyes) with corneal perforation ≤3 mm in size treated with isobutyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive were reviewed for etiology of perforation, visual outcome, and complications. Nine of the 22 eyes (40.9%) healed with application of adhesive alone. The mean interval of time needed for healing was 33.4 days. Visual acuity improved in seven eyes (77.8%) and remained stable in two (22.2%). Seven eyes (31.8%) proceeded to penetrating keratoplasty (PK) with the adhesive in place. Of these, visual acuity improved in five (71.4%), remained stable in one (14.3%), and decreased in one (14.3%). Six eyes (27.3%) required more than one application of adhesive. Isobutyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive is highly effective at treating corneal perforations. Approximately half of the perforations ≤3 mm healed and visual acuity improved in most of these eyes.