This study introduces a novel technique called fine needle diathermy (FND) for occluding corneal vessels and evaluates its safety and efficacy across a series of patients. A total of 14 patients were treated with FND, categorised into four distinct groups based on their specific conditions:

• Group 1 consisted of four high-risk patients with stromal vascularisation prior to keratoplasty.
• Group 2 included two patients with progressive lipid keratopathy.
• Group 3 encompassed four post-keratoplasty patients experiencing active rejection episodes associated with vascularisation.
• Group 4 comprised four patients with disciform vascularised scars and recurrent inflammation.

The primary outcomes assessed were the success of vessel occlusion and overall clinical results following treatment.

The results indicated that all patients in Group 1 achieved successful corneal transplantation, with grafts remaining clear and free from rejection. In Group 2, patients with lipid keratopathy demonstrated a 100% rate of vessel obliteration, accompanied by stabilisation of corneal scars. All patients in Group 3 exhibited complete regression of vessels, leading to reversal of graft rejection. Additionally, patients in Group 4 experienced resolution of inflammation without recurrence. The average follow-up period was 10.3 months, with a range of 6 to 24 months. Importantly, no serious complications were noted during the FND procedure.

In conclusion, FND proves to be a useful, safe, and cost-effective technique for treating established corneal vessels. It can serve as an adjunct or alternative to laser occlusion methods. While generally effective, the technique may occasionally require one or two repetitions to achieve optimal results, and there are potential complications, such as intrastromal bleeding and crystalline deposits.

Img Ref: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-24037-3/figures/5

For more comprehensive insights, the full study is available for review.