[Treatment of corneal ulcerations with use of the amniotic membrane].

UNLABELLED: Corneal ulcerations may cause complications such as, for example, the loss of transparency, descemetocele or perforation of the cornea. Widely used therapies do not always bring expected results. Recently the amniotic membrane has been applied for the treatment of corneal ulceration.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the amniotic membrane suturing over the locations of corneal ulcers.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The amniotic membrane was sutured over the locations of corneal ulcers in 9 eyes of 9 patients suffering from ulcers which did not regress with traditional therapeutic methods. After meticulous debridement of the ulcer floor and border area the amniotic membrane was sutured to the cornea with a single 10.0 Nylon suture (around the ulcer area), and additionally suture were fixed to the sclera. Following the procedure contact lenses were placed over the area for protection. The observation period was 6 months. Follow-up examinations were performed regularly during the first seven postoperative days, then after 2, 4 and 12 weeks; the final follow-up took place 6 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

In all patients we observed healing of the corneal defect, improvement of visual acuity and regression of the active inflammatory process. After this procedure the subjective symptoms subsided.

CONCLUSION

The amniotic membrane can be used for the treatment of corneal ulceration of various etiology.