Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Open Access

Abstract

Self-retained Amniotic Membrane for Recurrent Corneal Erosion

Yukan Huang, Hosam Sheha and Scheffer CG Tseng

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of placement of sutureless self-retained cryopreserved amniotic membrane in treating recurrent corneal erosion (RCE).
Methods: Eleven eyes of 9 consecutive patients with RCE received epithelial debridement and placement of ProKera^® (Bio-Tissue, Inc, Miami, Florida, USA). Their clinical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.
Results: Although corneal signs suggestive of RCE were found in 7 of 11 eyes, diagnosis of the remaining 4 eyes, including two eyes with predominant lid discomfort, was not made until the use of the cellulose sponge test to elicit a wrinkled epithelium. After debridement and placement of ProKera^®, complete epithelialization was noted in all eyes in 4 to 7 days. During the follow up of 13.7 ± 2.2 months, one eye recurred and required repeated treatment. Afterwards, all eyes were asymptomatic and regained a smooth and stable corneal epithelium. Best-corrected visual acuity was improved to at least 20/30 in all 6 eyes complaining of blurry vision and involving the visual axis.
Conclusions: Debridement followed by placement of self-retained cryopreserved amniotic membrane via ProKera^® can be performed in the office for treating RCE. Further studies to validate its efficacy in comparison to other surgeries are warranted.