Study of amniotic membrane transplantation in the treatment of ocular injuries

Abstract

Amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placental membrane and consists of a thick basement membrane and an avascular stroma.It can be used as a substrate to replace the damaged mucosal surface, and has recently been used successfully for reconstructing corneal and conjunctival surface damaged by various ocular surface disorders including chemical and thermal burns. The present study was undertaken in department of ophthalmology at Ashwini Rural Medical College and Research Center, Kumbhari, Solapur between 1at Jan 2013 to 31 Dec 2014, that is over a period of 2 years to know amniotic membrane transplantation as a treatment modality in the treatment of ocular injuries. After taking written informed consent from the patients and following standard operating procedures, a total of 40 patients were included in the study, non consenting patients were not included in the study. Conclusions : amniotic membrane transplantation is an effective way of treating ocular and thermal injuries in the acute stage. Such an acute intervention can break the vicious cycle leading to the progressive melting or scarring sequelae in the chronic stage. Amniotic membrane transplantation is more effective in preserving the anatomical as well as the functional structure of the conjunctival and corneal surface in terms of decreased corneal vascularisation, preventing conjunctivalization of the cornea, improved tear film status and preventing fibrosis in mild grade II to moderate (grade III) burns but cannot do so in severe (grade IV) burns with total limbal deficiency.