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Sir,The biological bandage contact lens: a novel technique for using the amniotic membrane in the treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defectsWe read with interest the article entitled 'Amniotic membrane in ophthalmology: indications and limitations' by Rahman et al, 1 in which the authors provide a comprehensive review of the use of amniotic membrane (AM) transplantation in ocular surface reconstruction.In the article the authors describe a new method of using the AM, retaining it in the eye with a conformer.We would like to describe an alternative method, which we have found to be very well tolerated by the patient.
TechniqueThe AM is obtained from Tissue Services, National Blood Services (Liverpool, UK, L24 8RB) as a 2 Â 2 or 3 Â 3 cm 2 sheet on nitrocellulose mounting paper in transport medium frozen at À40 1C. The AM is provided stromal side down and the overlap reflected onto the reverse of the paper.The amnion is allowed to thaw and is rinsed according to the supplier's instructions. The mounting paper is taped flat onto a suitable surface (eg, a plastic kidney dish), having first peeled the AM from the corners to allow this (Figure 1a). A Flieringa ring, of an appropriate size to fit comfortably into the patient's fornices, is selected and placed on the uppermost, epithelial surface of the amnion. The peripheral amnion is lifted and placed at the centre of the ring. The amnion is then sutured in position with one running 7/O Vicryl suture (Figure 1b).
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