Amniotic membrane transplantation for painful bullous keratopathy.

PURPOSE: To establish the effectiveness of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in relieving pain and discomfort in patients with painful bullous keratopathy and its role in improving vision in eyes with visual potential.

METHODS: Seven eyes of seven consecutive patients with painful corneal conditions were included in a retrospective interventional noncomparative case series performed at Maidstone General hospital, Maidstone, UK. Amniotic membrane transplantation was performed in seven eyes. Pain relief, epithelial healing, and visual changes were evaluated. Pain relief and freedom from discomfort were considered for the success of the surgery.

RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 26.57 weeks (range 11 to 53 weeks). Pain relief was achieved in all seven (100%) eyes. Associated symptoms including foreign body sensation, photophobia, and tearing subsided significantly in all patients starting soon after the first postoperative day. Vision improved in 5 (71.42%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS: AMT is an effective alternative for the management of patients with painful bullous eratopathy. Besides pain relief and reduction of ocular inflammation it remains unclear whether this procedure can also be used to improve vision in eyes with visual potential.