Bilateral Thermal Keratopathy Due to Plasma Skin Regeneration

• Published in: Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery Vol. 40; no. 3; p. e89
• Main Authors: Meyer, Benjamin I, Gutkind, Naomi E, Shoji, Marissa K, Rong, Andrew J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.05.2024
• Subjects: Adult; Cosmetic Techniques - adverse effects; Eye Burns - chemically induced; Eye Burns - diagnosis; Female; Humans; Keratitis - diagnosis; Keratitis - etiology; Keratitis - physiopathology; Plasma Gases - therapeutic use; Regeneration - physiology; Visual Acuity
• DOI: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000002618

A 40-year-old woman underwent periocular plasma skin regeneration, a cosmetic treatment for periorbital rejuvenation. She subsequently developed bilateral thermal keratitis, manifesting as blurred vision, irritation, and redness, with a vision decrease to 20/60 and 20/50 in her OD and OS, respectively. Examination demonstrated bilateral large, irregular corneal epithelial defects and edema, necessitating treatment with amniotic membrane grafts, bandage contact lenses, and hypertonic saline. One year posttreatment, her visual acuity improved to 20/20 and 20/25, albeit with ongoing symptomatic dryness and bilateral anterior stromal haze. This case, as only the second reported instance of ocular damage from periocular plasma skin regeneration, underscores the need for heightened awareness of potential ocular complications following plasma skin regeneration and reinforces the importance of protective measures during periocular procedures.