AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE TRANSPLANTATION FOR KERATITIS

Keratitis without proper management tends to perforate the cornea, resulting in severe adverse consequences. In recent studies, amniotic membrane is reported to have anti-inflammatory effect and promote wound healing of corneal ulcer. Purpose: To report on the efficacy of permanent amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in the treatment of keratitis. Case report: A 58-year-old man with severe keratitis in both eyes caused by long term administration of topical anesthetic (alcaine) for electric ophthalmia. Single layer of amniotic membrane (AM) was placed on the defect and secured to the limbus with interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures. A bandage contact lens was applied on the AM. Postoperative medication included topical antibiotic, artificial tears and mydriatic. Three months later corticosteroid was included. There was an immediate decrease of patient’s pain after surgery. Complete epithelialization was noted after 1 month. Conclusion: AMT is an alternative adjunctive method of treatment of keratitis; it promotes epithelialization process, decreased inflammation, corneal haze and neovascularization.