[Use of amniotic membrane transplantation for treating bullous keratopathy]

One of the complications of cataract surgery is bullous keratopathy, which is the result of decompensation of the corneal endothelium. The clinical signs are manifested in stromal and epithelial edema with bullae producing. The amniotic membrane, which is taken from the placenta of young mothers during the caesarean section, may have beneficial influence on the process of healing the corneal structure. The study aimed to evaluate effectiveness of bullous keratopathy treatment using amniotic membrane transplantation, as an alternative method of treatment after cataract surgery.

The amniotic membrane transplantation was performed in 18 eyes of 18 patients (10 females and 8 males), aged 62 to 85 with the bullous keratopathy. After removing the pathologically changed epithelium, the amniotic membrane was covered on cornea in local anesthesia, using interrupted sutures 10.0 nylon. A therapeutic contact lens were applied. Control examinations were performed 3, 6 and 12 weeks after the operation. The best corrected visual acuity was evaluated. The local state was investigated using slitbiomocroscopy and confocal microscopy.

In all the patients' regression of subjective complaints was observed (pain, light sensitivity and tearing). In 12 cases improvement of visual acuity was achieved. The evaluation of corneas in slit biomicroscopy revealed greater clarity and less corneal edema. On confocal microscopy, decrease in blurred collagen fibers and background illumination were observed. The epithelium contained cystic structures (blisters) in 6 cases only. The endothelial cells were pleomorphic and polymegathic.

The amniotic membrane transplantation is an effective method of treatment for bullous keratopathy and has beneficial influence on the process of corneal healing and the improvement of visual acuity and diminish subjective symptoms.