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¹M.D. Asistant Professor, Adiyaman University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Adiyaman/TURKEY
²M.D, Special Gozde Hospital, Eye Clinic, Adiyaman/TURKEY
³M.D. Asistant, Adiyaman University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Adiyaman/TURKEY 75 year-old women applied to our clinic with a complain of vision loss on her left eye and severe pain. After detailed investigation on our previous records, it was seen that she had amniotic membrane covering operation with a diagnose of persistent epithelial defect. After the operation, at first month control, epithelial defect was completely recovered and artificial tear drops 3 times a day in combination with topical dexamethasone (Dexa-sine, Liba, Turkey) was prescribed. At the 3rd month control, topical dexamethasone drop was stopped and artificial tear drops were continued. The patient did not come to the next scheduled controls. When pain and itching symptoms reappeared, she decided to continue on dexamethasone drop with a thought of getting better. In ophthalmic examination, best corrected visual acuity was 0.3 stay on the right eye and left eye visual acuity was light perception. On biomicroscopic examination, 5-6 mm melting at the center of the cornea and perforation was observed on the left eye. Prolapse of the intraocular lens was present at the perforation side. Severe epithelial defect was completely recovered by application of amniotic membrane covering and topical steroid administration. However, corneal perforation was observed as a result of uncontrolled and unconscious use of topical steroids. Therefore, considering the potential loss of patient follow-up, steroid using patients have to be informed about the side effects. Also, topical steroids must be available only with a doctor's prescription at pharmacies. Keywords : Perforation, persistent epithelial defect, topical steroids, amniotic membrane covering