Use of freeze-dried umbilical cord amniotic membrane as a corneal patch graft.

BACKGROUND

The use of amniotic membranes for corneal perforation management has been extensively documented, demonstrating significant potential in ocular surface reconstruction. However, their application in emergency settings remains underexplored. This report presents a novel use of freeze-dried umbilical cord amniotic membrane as a corneal patch graft, highlighting its practical benefits in urgent clinical scenarios.

CASE REPORT: A 64-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a painful, red eye, having a history of penetrating keratoplasty. Slit-lamp examination revealed a severe corneal abscess with a 3 mm-wide paracentral perforation. Emergency surgery was performed using a freeze-dried umbilical cord amniotic membrane (SclerFix, Amtrix®, TBF) with a "mushroom plug and patch" technique, combined with a fresh amniotic membrane overlay. Postoperative treatment included oral antibiotics, topical antifungal agents, and antibiotic eye drops. The fresh amniotic membrane dissolved within days, while the freeze-dried umbilical cord membrane facilitated rapid re-epithelialization, effectively sealing the perforation. At three months postoperatively, the cornea remained intact without recurrence or complications, and the patient reported complete pain resolution.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrates the successful use of freeze-dried umbilical cord amniotic membrane as a corneal patch graft, avoiding emergency keratoplasty and preserving ocular integrity. This technique represents a promising alternative in situations where corneal grafts are not readily available. Further studies are warranted to validate its efficacy.