Super-thick amniotic membrane graft offers an alternative for ocular surface reconstruction

This study evaluated super-thick amniotic membrane grafts (ST-AMGs) for ocular surface reconstruction.

Study design

This single-center retrospective case series examined records from 12 eyes that underwent conjunctival reconstruction using super thick amniotic membrane graft (ST-AMT) for conjunctival tumor, pterygium or scleral melt. Patients were examined postoperatively at 1 week, 3 weeks, 2 to 3 months and then as clinically appropriate.

Outcomes

All 12 cases had intact grafts at 1 week, while only 3 (25%) of the grafts were fully dissoluted at 3 weeks. There were no instances of primary symblepharon, though 2 cases developed secondary symblepharon during clinical follow-up. Of the 11 tumor cases, 10 demonstrated complete response at a mean follow-up of 25.5 months.

Limitations

The study is limited by its small sample size and retrospective nature. The study does not have a control group, particularly one lacking AMT or one with standard thin AMT to assess differences in response.

Clinical significance

The use of AMT is well documented for conjunctival reconstruction but is limited by early dissolution and difficult handling properties. The authors demonstrate that in certain reconstructive settings, super-thick AMT can demonstrate longer persistence and more resilience during surgery, adding to the corneal surgeon's armamentarium.