Application of Amniotic Membrane Graft for the Treatment of Bullous Keratopathy Combined with Intractable Glaucoma

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effect of amniotic membrane (AM) graft and drainage valve implantation for the treatment of bullous keratopathy combined with intractable glaucoma. METHODS: Total 15 patients (15 eyes) were analyzed who underwent the operation for bullous keratopathy combined with intractable glaucoma, from Feb. 2002 to Aug. 2003. Under retrobulbar anesthesia, Ahmed valve was implanted under the supratemporal conjunctiva and exposed valve was covered with AM. And then, AM graft was performed after lamellar keratectomy for treatment of keratopathy. Serial check of IOP, corneal status and complications were performed after operation and during follow up. RESULTS: Mean IOP at last follow up was 11 mmHg. Corneal epithelium was stabilized within 10days. No serious complication was found and the drainage tube was well positioned. Especially, there is no pain in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: AM graft and valve implantation was clinically effective method for treatment of bullous keratopathy, combined with intractable glaucoma.