Long Term Outcomes Of Modified Technique Of Amniotic Membrane Transplantation For Symptomatic Bullous Keratopathy

1. Teresa Lau^1,2,3
2. Alvin Young^1,2,3
3. Lulu Cheng^1,2,3
4. Clement Tham^1,2,3
5. Dennis Lam^1,2,3

¹Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
²New Territories East Cluster Ophthalmology Service, Hong Kong, China
³Prince of Wales & Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospitals, Hong Kong, China

Purpose: To present a modified technique of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for symptomatic bullous keratopathy (BK) and its associated outcome.

Methods: Consecutive symptomatic BK patients who received AMT over the period Feb 2004 to May 2006 were included. The intraoperative & postoperative complications and clinical outcome were reviewed.

Results: 7 females and 2 males with a mean age of 72.0+/- 6.4 years (59-82 years) were recruited, with a mean follow up of 61.6 +/- 4.2 months (57 to 70 months). Symptomatic relief was achieved in all patients (100%). There were 2 cases with central AM melting at 2 and 4 months post AMT. 5 of the 9 cases underwent subsequent PKP.

Conclusions: Our modified AMT technique appeared to be a safe and effective treatment modality in alleviating pain in eyes with symptomatic BK. It may serve as a valuable temporary measure in patients awaiting definitive corneal transplantation, especially in regions where grafts are scarce.