Amniotic membrane transplantation to reconstruct the conjunctival surface in cases of chemical burn.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficiency of preserved human amniotic membrane transplantation for conjunctival surface reconstruction in cases of chemical burn. METHODS Preserved amniotic membrane transplantation was performed in 6 patients (6 eyes) having symblepharon and fornix insufficiency due to chemical burn. Amniotic membrane was sutured to the intact conjunctiva after the fibrotic tissue was excised. The fornix was reconstructed in cases having fornix insufficiency. These cases were followed up for 4-24 months. RESULTS During the mean follow-up period (10+/-7.37 months) adequate bulbar conjunctiva and fornix depth was achieved in 5 patients without recurrence and with mild fibrosis. In 1 patient who did not have a healthy conjunctiva preoperatively, conjunctival fibrosis and symblepharon recurred. CONCLUSIONS Preserved human amniotic membrane transplantation is a good alternative treatment method for conjunctival surface reconstruction in those cases with some healthy peripheral conjunctival tissue.