Human amniotic membrane in the reconstruction of the ocular surface

We sought to determine the efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation (A MT) in the reconstruction of ocular surface. AMT was performed on 40 eyes w ith following indications: I, persistent corneal ulceration (n=12); II, imp ending perforation (n=6); III, persistent epithelial defect on the corneal graft (n=6); IV, recurrent pterygia (n=10), and V, risk of conjunctival sca rring (n=6). Amniotic membrane was prepared from a fresh placenta under ste rile conditions, washed with BSS containing penicillin, streptomycin, neomy cin and amphotericin B and stored at -80 degrees C in 1:1 InoSol:Glycerol s olution. Donor serological test for HIV, HBV and HCV were all negative. Ass ociated surgical procedures according to indication were performed. Healing of the corneal ulcer in Group I was obtained in 67% of eyes at 1-3 weeks a fter surgery, Group II: AMT was followed by 'a chaud' keratoplasty in 33% a nd by planned keratoplasty in 67% patients, Group III: healing of the defec t in 33% of eyes in 2-5 postoperative weeks, Group IV: no recurrence of pte rygium ingrowth in 70% in the follow up period of 6-14 months, and V: 84% o f patients had good eye motility without any synechia formation. We conclud ed that AMT have shown to be effective in enhancing healing of the corneal defects, in prevention of symblepharon formation and recurrent pterygium in growth. In case of impending perforation, AMT alone was not a method of tre atment but is useful as a first step procedure in preparing the eye for the corneal transplantation.