Use of nonpreserved human amniotic membrane for the reconstruction of the ocular surface

Purpose. To describe the use of nonpreserved human amniotic membrane (NP-AM T) as an alternative to preserved human amniotic membrane (AMT) for the rec onstruction of the ocular surface in several diseases. Methods.,NP-AMT was used in the treatment of five patients with the following diseases: noninva sive conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, corneal persistent epithelial de fect, severe alkali burn, near total limbal deficiency secondary to multipl e surgeries, and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. In some cases, a limbal aut ograft or allograft was employed simultaneously. sutured on top of the NP-A MT. All sutures were made with 10-0 Nylon and were removed at two weeks. Re sults, ocular surface was satisfactorily reconstructed, eyes were quiet, an d patients were comfortable despite prolonged deepithelialization in some c ases. There was a case of a limbal autograft ischemia-in the burned patient -that caused partial corneal conjunctivalization. Initially. the NP-AMT loo ks thickened but thins around the fifth day and looks similar to AMT. Concl usion. Results using NP-AMT are similar to those of AMT. It is a good alter native and it is easily obtained in places were AMT is not available or is tao expensive to procure.