Corneal stroma amniotic membrane transplantation for the treatment of bullous keratopathy

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effects of corneal stroma amniotic membrane transplantation for bullous kerafopthy. Methods Ten eyes of 10 patients with bullous keratopathy were included (6 males and 4 females). The average age was 65.0±3.30 years old (ranged from 45 to 78 years old). 7 eyes were after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Other 3 eyes were after glaucoma and cataract surgery. Pedicle corneal flap was made by microkeratome. Amniotic membrane of 4 mm × 5 mm was implanted. Then the flap was sutured 3 stitches with 10-0 nylon sutureo. The postoperative effects of short and long term were observed and recorded. Results All the patients were followed up for 3 to 6 months. Corneal epithelium of all eyes were recovered within 10 days. 8 eyes with eye pain were completely healed. Limitated vesicles in peripheral cornea occurred in 2 eyes. The postoperative visual acuity were improved significantly in 4 patients. Conclusion Corneal stroma amniotic membrane transplantation can not only relieve pain, but also improve visual acuity. Thus, it is an important clinical temporary treatment for bullous keratopathy when donor corneal tissues were limited and restricted. Key words: Keratopathy, bullous; Stroma, corneal; Transplantation, amniotic membrane