The results of amniotic membrane transplantation for symptomatic bullous keratopathy.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the outcomes of amniotic membrane transplantation for symptomatic relief in patients with bullous keratopathy. MATERIAL AND METHOD This retrospective study included 17 eyes (17 patients) with bullous keratopathy presenting with intractable pain or discomfort. The patients were enrolled from January 2000 to December 2004. Amniotic membrane transplantation was performed. Symptomatic relief epithelial healing, and visual changes were analyzed. RESULTS During the follow up period of 14.1 +/- 11.9 months (range 1-36 months) after amniotic membrane transplantation, 14 eyes of 17 eyes (82.4%) with intolerable pain preoperatively had pain relief postoperatively. Corneal epithelial healing was complete in all except 2 eyes one of which had evisceration because of severe corneal ulcer, and the other underwent penetrating keratoplasty soon after amniotic membrane transplantation. CONCLUSION Amniotic membrane transplantation is a safe and effective treatment modality for pain relief associated with chronic bullous keratopathy. It can be an alternative to conjunctival flap, with better cosmetic appearance for the management of patients with bullous keratopathy.