Amniotic membrane transplantation in infectious corneal ulcer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation in the management of treated infectious corneal ulcer in which inflammatory reactions were responsible for corneal damage.

METHOD: A prospective study of 21 consecutive eyes (21 patients) was performed. Sufficient antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral agents were applied to eradicate causative organisms before permanent or temporary amniotic membrane transplantation, or a combination of the two in few patients. The amniotic membrane was soaked in antiinfective agents before transplantation in all cases.

RESULTS

After amniotic membrane transplantation, follow-up times ranged from 4 to 28 months (mean, 18 months). Clinical indications included Staphylococcus species (four cases), Pseudomonas species (five cases), Acanthamoeba species (three cases), fungus (two cases), and herpesvirus (seven cases). The corneal surface was healed successfully and recurrences of microbial infection were not noted in any case. Visual acuity was improved in cases that were nonscarring or after additional penetrating keratoplasty.

CONCLUSION

Amniotic membrane transplantation seems to be a useful adjunctive surgical procedure for the management of infectious corneal ulcer by promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation.