Clinical efficacy of corneal cross-linking combined with amniotic membrane transplantation for fungal corneal ulcer

Abstract

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of corneal cross-linking combined with amniotic membrane transplantation for fungal corneal ulcer. Methods Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients with fungal corneal ulcer of different depths and areas underwent corneal cross-linking and amniotic membrane transplantation. The therapy results were observed. All patients were followed up 3-6 months after operation. Results The fungal corneal ulcer depth was ≤1/2 of corneal thickness and ulcer scope was ≤6 mm in 13 cases. They were cured after once operation. The fungal corneal ulcer depth was 1/2~2/3 of corneal thickness and ulcer scope was 7-8 mm in 12 cases, among them 8 cases (66.67%) were cured after once surgery, the other 4 cases (33.33%)reached cure or improvement standard after second procedure. Corneal cross-linking and amniotic membrane transplantation was useless for 7 cases of fugal corneal ulcer depth >2/3 of corneal thickness and ulcer scope > 8 mm. Conclusion Fungal corneal ulcer with depth ≤2/3 of corneal thickness and scope ≤ 8 mm can be cured by corneal cross-linking and amniotic membrane transplantation. But the surgery was useless for fugal corneal ulcer with depth > 2/3 of corneal thickness and scope >8 mm. Key words: Corneal ulcer, fungal; Corneal cross-linking; Amniotic membrane transplantation