Application of a practical on-site-made amniotic membrane ring for restoration of ocular surface health in dry eye disease

Session Details

Session Title: Cornea: Medical

Session Date/Time: Monday 16/09/2019 | 08:30-10:30

Paper Time: 08:42

Venue: Free Paper Forum: Podium 2

First Author: : E.Karaca TURKEY

Co Author(s): :    D. Özek   Ö. Evren Kemer                          

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common ocular surface disorders. Despite different underlying pathogenic processes, DED is characterized by ocular surface inflammation, which in turn induces further damage to corneal epithelium and its underlying structures. Amniotic membrane transplants are known to have potent anti-inflammatory effect and also have ability to enhance epithelial healing. In this study we aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of amniotic membrane ring (AMR) application in treating moderate-to-severe dry eye disease.

Setting:

Health Sciences University Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of 22 patients treated with contact lens like amniotic membrane ring was performed. This amniotic membrane ring was formed using aspiration catheter covered by a large piece of amniotic membrane graft. Amniotic membrane was sutured to catheter using eight sutures. In this way, customized amniotic membrane ring was prepared for each patient. Patients’ demographics, symptoms, medications, conjunctival inflammation, corneal staining, and visual acuities were compared before and after treatment. In addition retention time of amniotic membrane, the effect of amniotic membrane on ocular surface healing, follow-up time, and complications were evaluated.

Results:

Twenty eight eyes of 22 patients (18 females and 4 males) aged 53.32 ± 13.36 years were included. The AMR retension time ranged from 5 to 16 days, with a mean of 11 ± 3.09 days, at which time the amniotic membrane was dissolved or removed by the patient inadvertently. Discomfort was seen in 1 (3.6 %) of 28 eyes. The patients reported symptomatic relief for a period of 3.64 ± 1.25 months after the treatment.Symptomatic relief was accompanied by reduction of OSDI scores, use of topical medications, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal staining (p<0.001) and improvement of the visual acuity (p=0.001).

Conclusions:

Amniotic membrane ring treatment could be used to treat moderate-to-severe dry eye disease. This technique has an economic advantage over other commercially available amniotic bandage tissues and, could be easily removed and replaced during follow-up examination of the patient.

Financial Disclosure:

None