The Effect of Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Corneal Ulcer and Ocular Surface Diseases

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical outcome of AMT (amniotic membrane transplantation) for corneal ulcers, persistent epithelial defects, corneal perforations, and neurotropic ulcers. METHODS: We performed AMT on 10 cases of corneal ulcer, 5 cases of persistent epithelial defect, 2 cases of corneal perforation, and 3 cases of neurotropic ulcer from Agust 1999 to May 2002. Amniotic membrane was obtained from the women undergoing elective Cesarean section or normal delivery. We had applied one or two layers of fresh amniotic membrane, that is used within 4hours after resection, over the ulcer bed and anchored by interrupted and running suture technique with 10-0 Nylon. After AMT, Topical eye drops was used three times a day. RESULTS: After AMT, Visual acuity was improved in 6 eyes of 10 corneal ulcer patients and maintained in 3 eyes. In all patients the persistent epithelial erosion was healed and pain was subsided between 6 and 12 days after surgery. There were no leakage in corneal perforation patients, and stable ocular surface were achieved after mean period 15.5 days. The ocular surface was restored by AMT in all neurotropic ulcer patients. CONCLUSIONS: The AMT is an effective method for managing corneal ulcer or ocular surface diseases, that are refractory to conventional treatment. The AMT shortened the usage of broad spectrum antibiotics , increased compliance, and decreased corneal opacity and neovascularization.