J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2023 Jun;64(6):466-472. 10.3341/jkos.2023.64.6.466.

Comparison between Placement of an Amniotic Membrane Contact Lens and Temporary Amniotic Membrane Transplantation

• Choi SY
• Choi JW
• Park WC

• KMID: 2542866
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2023.64.6.466

Abstract

Purpose
We compared the clinical utilities of an amniotic contact lens and temporary amniotic membrane transplantation in patients with persistent corneal epithelial defects.
Methods
Patients diagnosed with persistent corneal epithelial defects from November 2019 to July 2022 were randomly assigned to either lens placement for 2 weeks or temporary transplantation for 1 week, and the outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. The best-corrected visual acuity, corneal sensation, tear film break-up time, and corneal opacity were measured before and after the interventions. The treatment success rates, recurrences, and other complications were analyzed during the follow-up period.
Results
We placed lenses in 32 patients (32 eyes) and 20 patients (20 eyes) underwent transplantation. In both groups, significant differences in best-corrected visual acuity, corneal sensation, tear film break-up time, and corneal opacity were apparent after intervention vs. before. None of the parameters showed any significant differences in terms of their rates of change.
Conclusions
In patients with persistent corneal epithelial defects, amniotic contact lens placement is an effective outpatient procedure and is not inferior to temporary amniotic membrane transplantation.

Keyword

Amniotic membrane contact lens, Persistent corneal epithelial defect, Temporary amniotic membrane transplantation