Application of amniotic membrane in ocular surface diseases: Clinical features and treatment outcomes [Oküler yüzey rekonstrüksiyonunda amniyon zarı uygulamaları: Klinik özellikler ve tedavi sonuçları]

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of amniotic membrane transplantation in cases with corneal thinning, desmatocele and refractive corneal ulcer. Material and Method: Fifty-four eyes of 54 patients who were applied amniotic membrane transplantation for various ocular surface disease between January 2004 and February 2009 in Çukurova University Ophthalmology Department were included in the study. A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed. Corneal culture and corneal cytology samples were collected from the patients with the diagnosis of corneal ulcers. The patients were informed about the surgical procedure and the possible complications and informed consent was obtained. The amniotic membranes that were prepared under optimal conditions and protected in frozen forms were used in the operations. Follow-up examinations were done at postoperative 1st day, 1st week, 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month and then once in a year. Results: Of 54 patients, 26 (48.1%) were men and 28 (51.8%) were women. The mean age of patients was 52.53±19.75 (2-87) years. The cases were separated into 2 groups according to the etiology: group 1 - eyes with corneal ulcer (n:26) and group 2 - eyes with corneal stromal thinning, persistent epithelial defects and desmatocel (n:28). The transplantations were performed using cover technique in 17 eyes (31.4%), graft technique in 37 eyes (68.5%) and graft technique with corneal patch in 2 eyes (3.7%). Partial penetrating keratoplasty was required in 38 of 54 eyes (70.3%). One eye was enucleated. Discussion: The amniotic membrane transplantation has advantages like: it can be prepared easily and is cost-effective. It is a safe and effective procedure in ocular surface disease