[A clinical study of polytetrafluoroethylene (polytef) as a substitute for conjunctiva]

Burn, tumor or congenital reasons may cause coloboma of conjunctiva. We were seeking for a thin membrane to cover the coloboma that would make the survival peripheral conjunctiva to grow and self-repair so that mucosa transplantation could be avoided. A polytetrafluoroethylene membrane of 0.1 mm thickness, 2-3 mm larger in diameter than the coloboma was sutured in place. After 2-3 weeks the membrane was removed. A total of 16 patients underwent the operation. Of them there were 2 of plasmacytoma, 5 of symblepharon, 6 of contracture of socket of eyeball and 3 of complex pterygium. In two to three weeks, the region of coloboma of conjunctiva was found being repaired. On an average 12 months' follow-up study, the eyeball movements in all cases were normal and the eyes looked symmetric. No symblepharon was found. We conclude that the polytetrafluoroethylene is a non-toxic, smooth, non-adhesive and non-distort substance resistant to high and low temperatures. When used as a substitute for conjunctiva at the region of coloboma of conjunctiva, it makes the peripheral normal conjunctiva tissues to grow and repair the coloboma.