Amniotic membrane transplantation in the human eye

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) is a long-standing ophthalmic surgical procedure.
• Recent advancements in tissue preservation have increased the popularity and application of AMT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent developments, mechanisms of action, and indications for AMT in treating ocular surface diseases.
• To synthesize current literature on the efficacy of AMT in ophthalmic surgery.

Main Methods:

• Selective literature review of PubMed articles from 1994-2009.
• Keywords used: "amniotic membrane," "cornea," and "conjunctiva."

Main Results:

• Amniotic membrane (AM) serves as a basement membrane substitute or temporary graft.
• AM exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-scarring, and epithelial wound healing properties.
• AMT is effective for corneal/conjunctival reconstruction in burns, persistent defects, and scarring diseases.
• AM can be used as a culture substrate for epithelial progenitor cells.

Conclusions:

• AMT is an established and effective treatment for external eye diseases.
• Recent years have seen major advances in ocular surface reconstructive surgery using AMT.