Efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) on corneal surface in bullous keratopathy eyes

Abstract

AbstractPurpose To determine the effect of cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) on a patients with bullous keratopathy in pseudophakia eyes.Methods This retrospective study included 5 eyes (5 patients) with bullous keratopathy in pseudophakia eyes presenting with intractable pain or discomfort (photophobia, tearing and foreign‐body sensation). A transplantation of sutureless temporary cryopreserved amniotic membrane was performed on all eyes suffering from bullous keratopathy. The average duration of the follow‐up was 14.1 months +/‐ 1.6 (SD) (range 12 to 16 months).Results After the AMT was established a significant improvement. We observed complete corneal epithelial healing in all eyes. Sixty percent of the 5 eyes had improvement of the ocular discomfort soon after the first postoperative day. Pain relief was obtained in 80% of patients.Conclusion The AMT was efficient, safe, and successful method of treatment for intractable pain with chronic bullous keratopathy. Future studies comparing AMT to other methods of treatment of bullous keratopathy would help to better define the role of AMT in ocular surface disease and perhaps further elucidate the mechanisms by which this therapy works. Keywords: Amniotic membrane transplantation, pseudophakia, bullous keratopathy, intractable pain, discomfort