Simultaneous Amniotic Membrane Patch in High-risk Keratoplasty

PURPOSE: To analyze the short- and intermediate-term results of simultaneous transplantation of amniotic membrane with high-risk keratoplasty. METHODS: Between January 2002 and February 2004, a simultaneous amniotic membrane patch was transplanted with penetrating keratoplasty in 16 eyes of 16 patients. In 13 eyes, a soft contact lens was applied afterward. Corneal perforation was present in 10 of 14 eyes with emergency keratoplasty. Five patients received systemic immunosuppressive medication for 4-6 months after penetrating keratoplasty. RESULTS: The amniotic membrane patch fell off after 8 ± 3 (range: 4-14) days without residual tissue except in 1 case. In 15 of 16 eyes, the epithelium was completely closed after 10 ± 8 (range: 4-30) days. In 3 eyes, recurrence of the epithelial defect occurred after 3-6 months. During a follow-up period of 18 ± 6 months, 13 of 16 corneal grafts were clear. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous amniotic membrane transplantation and penetrating keratoplasty may improve the prognosis of corneal graft in eyes with risk of epithelial healing problems.