"Pleats fold" technique of amniotic membrane transplantation for management of corneal perforations.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and surgical success rates of amniotic membrane (AM) transplantation performed for corneal perforation closure using a novel technique.

METHODS

This study included 6 eyes from 6 patients with corneal perforation who had received AM transplantation between May 2011 and April 2012. The AM was collected from human placenta shortly after cesarean section. In surgery, the AM was folded into pleats and used to plug the wound using 10-0 nylon suture. The wound was then covered with an AM seal. After reepithelialization and AM scarring, sutures were removed.

RESULTS

All 6 patients had successful wound closure with 1 surgery. One patient underwent optical keratoplasty later, and 1 patient required combined preserved sclera transplantation. The absolute value of astigmatism decreased to <3.50 diopters (D) 3 months after surgery and to <3.00 D 6 months after surgery in patients with peripheral AM transplants. The visual acuity gradually improved over the first 3 months after surgery, and visual acuity gains were maintained at the 6-month postoperative mark.

CONCLUSIONS

The AM transplantation procedure may be an effective option for treating corneal perforations when the wound is circular or irregular, except for incised wounds. Our "Pleats Fold" AM transplantation technique can achieve definite closure and effectively repair wounds of various sizes. Postoperative astigmatic values were acceptable. Therefore, we recommend this procedure for repairing lesions <3 mm in diameter that do not involve the central cornea and that are infection free.