Pellucid marginal degeneration and bilateral corneal perforation: case report and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To review corneal perforation cases in pellucid marginal degeneration and report a case of bilateral spontaneous perforation at presentation in rigid gas permeable contact lens wear and pellucid marginal degeneration.

METHODS: Case report and literature review.

RESULTS: The presentation, clinical course, surgical intervention, pathologic analysis, and postoperative outcome of a case of bilateral spontaneous corneal perforation in pellucid marginal degeneration are detailed. All spontaneous corneal perforation cases associated with pellucid marginal degeneration are reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS: Pellucid marginal degeneration can lead to spontaneous corneal perforation resulting in the need for urgent therapeutic intervention. A potential for severe ocular morbidity should be considered in all patients with this disorder despite a seemingly stable disease and appropriate gas permeable contact lens wear. Unilateral perforation cases should be watched closely for development of complications in the fellow eye.