Amniotic membrane grafts following excision of corneal and conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia.

BACKGROUND We evaluated the efficiency of amniotic membrane grafts (AMGs) for reconstructing the conjunctival surface following excision of corneal and conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). METHODS This was a retrospective, noncomparative, interventional study. Five eyes in 5 patients were treated between April 1996 and September 2002 with the same procedure to apply amniotic membrane grafts after excising CIN. According to a standard protocol, the amniotic membrane was harvested and processed under sterile conditions. The amniotic membrane graft was applied over the excised bare scleral area and anchored with 10-0 nylon interrupted sutures. Patient data and clinical photographs were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS The mean follow-up period was 27 (range, 6-69) months. Ocular surface healing was rapid and complete in all cases. No recurrence was found. CONCLUSION Amniotic membrane graft is an effective and safe alternative adjunctive treatment for primary CIN. Further studies with longer follow-up are recommended to evaluate the risk of recurrence and other adverse effects.