Amniotic Membrane Transplantation and Use of Adjunctive Mitomycin C in the Treatment of Symblepharon

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of amniotic membrane transplantation and adjunctive mitomycin C in the treatment of symblepharon. METHODS: Amniotic membrane transplantation was performed and adjunctive mitomycin C was applied in 7 patients with symblepharon, resulting from various causes. Mitomycin C soaking (0.02%, 5 minutes) was used intraoperatively followed by meticulous dissection of adherent tissue. Next, amniotic membrane transplantation was done with 2 layers of removed conjunctival tissue and a silicone band bolster was applied to the reconstructed fornix. Evaluating factors were the depth of reconstructed fornix, limitation of eyeball movement, recurrence and presence of complication. These factors were checked at the last visit. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 9.0 x +/-A 4.54 months and all patients showed reconstructed fornix. Six patients showed successful outcome (depth of fornix >or=8 mm) and one patient showed 6 mm of forniceal depth and mild limitation of gaze. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of symblepharon by amniotic membrane transplantation and adjunctive mitomycin C administration can reduce the recurrence rate of symblepharon without complication.