Quantum molecular resonance electrotherapy for the treatment of pediatric ocular rosacea

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of quantum molecular resonance (QMR) electrotherapy in the management of refractory pediatric ocular rosacea. Methods: This is a retrospective case series on 3 female pediatric patients (ages 12, 15, 14 years) with ocular rosacea. Two patients presented with corneal stromal neovascularization and punctate epithelial erosions while 1 patient presented with corneal scarring and paracentral stromal thinning. After failing conservative management, the patients were treated with 4 consecutive QMR electrotherapy sessions with the intensity set at 5 corresponding on average to a power of 12 W, with 60 V voltage and 200 mA current. Informed consent was obtained for off-label use. Patients were assessed for changes in vision, foreign body sensation, tearing, photophobia, and redness at each visit to determine symptomatic improvement. Outcome measures include best-corrected visual acuity, use of supplemental therapies (eg topical steroids) for symptom relief, extent of corneal neovascularization via serial slitlamp photography, and corneal scar remodeling via high resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results: Two of the 3 patients experienced improvement in visual acuity after QMR electrotherapy. Corneal neovascularization and scarring regressed significantly in all 3 patients. Two months post-QMR electrotherapy, corneal remodeling was evident on optical coherence tomography in 2 patients. All 3 patients were able to discontinue topical immunosuppressants and remain symptom-free at 1.5 years of follow-up. Conclusions: QMR electrotherapy is a promising alternative in the treatment of refractory ocular rosacea in childhood and puberty, and it may potentiate corneal remodeling.