Amniotic membrane transplantation for partial limbal stem cell deficiency

Aim-To examine the efficacy, safety, and long term outcomes of amniotic mem brane transplantation for corneal surface reconstruction in cases of partia l limbal stem cell deficiency. Methods-17 eyes of 15 patients with partial limbal stem cell deficiency und erwent superficial keratectomy of the conjunctivalised corneal surface foll owed by amniotic membrane transplantation. Cases were followed up for at le ast a year. Results-All eyes exhibited a stable, intact corneal epithelial surface afte r a mean follow up period of 25.8 months with no eyes developing recurrent erosion or persistent epithelial defect. The mean time to re-epithelialisat ion was 22.8 days. Overall improvement in visual acuity was observed in 92. 9% of 14 eyes with visual potential. Of those, five eyes gained six or more lines, two eyes gained between four and five lines, six eyes gained betwee n one and three lines, and one eye lost three lines of Snellen acuity. Pain and photophobia were abolished in 86% of cases and substantially reduced i n 14%, with all eyes exhibiting decreased vascularisation and inflammation at final follow up. Conclusions-Amniotic membrane transplantation appears to be a safe and effe ctive method of restoring a stable corneal epithelium for cases of partial limbal stem cell deficiency and can be considered as an alternative to limb al autograft or allograft.