A Review of Current Uses of Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Abstract

Purpose: To review and summarize the existing literature on the clinical applications of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. Methods: A literature review was conducted on the PubMed database using the following search terms: “amniotic membrane” and “eyelid” or “orbit” or “fornix” or “socket” or “lacrimal”. Results: In total 516 articles resulted from the search, of which 62 were included. Numerous cases and case series have been published on the use of amniotic membrane transplantation for ocular surface reconstruction, eyelid and forniceal reconstruction, and cicatricial eyelid abnormalities. Surgical methods of securing the graft vary. Few comparative studies exist; some show a similar or improved result when compared to oral mucous membrane grafting for certain indications. Conclusions: Amniotic membrane transplantation can be a useful tool for the oculoplastic surgeon when faced with a case requiring reconstruction of the posterior lamellae, particularly in patients without other graft donor sites available, and uses of AMT continue to expand. Additional studies directly comparing AMT to other reconstructive techniques would be helpful in choosing between the available surgical techniques and standardizing best practices.

Applications of SMILE-extracted lenticules in ophthalmology

“…Keratoplasty in corneal thinning and perforation Corneal thinning and perforation may result in permanent vision loss, and immediate surgical intervention is needed to prevent catastrophic consequences such as endophthalmitis [12] . Temporary therapies for this situation including corneal gluing [13][14][15] , bandage contact lenses [16][17][18][19] , amniotic membrane transplantation [20][21][22] , scleral graft, and conjunctival flap [23][24][25][26] have unsatisfactory long-term results. Furthermore, tectonic lamellar or penetrating keratoplasty (PK) is the most recommended treatment for most patients with extensive corneal lesions [27][28] .…”