Corneal melt after amniotic membrane transplant

Abstract

Purpose: To report an eye-threatening complication associated with amniotic membrane grafting.

Design: Interventional case report.

Methods: Retrospective review of the clinical and surgical records of a 43-year-old man who developed melting of his corneal graft after amniotic membrane transplantation.

Results: Melting of a corneal graft after amniotic membrane transplantation was arrested by utilizing a tectonic, full-thickness corneal button denuded of endothelium in conjunction with a temporary tarsorraphy and systemic steroids.

Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an eye-threatening complication associated with amniotic membrane grafting. Caution should be exercised in utilizing amniotic membrane in patients who have undergone multiple ophthalmologic surgical procedures, which may sensitize the ocular immune system or lead to localized ischemia.