Management of recurrent corneal ulcers: use of amniotic membrane

Purpose: Amniotic membrane (AM), or amnion, is a thin membrane on the inner side of the fetal placenta; it completely surrounds the embryo/fetus and delimits the amniotic cavity, which is filled by amniotic liquid. In recent years, the structure and function of the amnion have been investigated due to its pluripotent properties, which are an attractive source for tissue transplantation and reconstructive surgery. The pioneering use of AM in skin transplantation by Davis dates back to 1910; in 1913, Sabella and Stern employed it in the treatment of burns and superficial scars. Certain characteristics make the AM ideally suited to its application in ocular surface reconstruction. It can be easily obtained and its availability is nearly unlimited. We report a case of AM transplantation to treat ocular surface abnormality. Methods: A 28-year-old man came to our attention for persistent foreign body feeling and pain in his right eye. Because of progressive clinical worsening, we decided to perform surgical apposition of AM. Results: Clinical and instrumental follow-up was conducted with periodic complete checkups. At 1 year follow-up, best-corrected visual acuity was 4/10. Conclusions: Characteristics of AM make it potentially useful to treat ocular surface abnormalities.