Total ocular surface amniotic membrane transplantation for paraquat-induced ocular surface injury

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of modified amniotic membrane transplantation (MAMT) for paraquat-induced ocular surface injury.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Participants: Thirty patients (30 eyes) with paraquat-induced ocular surface injury.

Methods: Among the patients, 8 underwent MAMT, 14 received conventional amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT), and 8 were treated with simple drug therapy (DT). Features related to the damage, corneal epithelial defect closure time, visual acuity, stromal haze, and complications were recorded.

Results: In the MAMT and AMT groups, visual acuity in all eyes recovered to the preinjury level; in the DT group, visual acuity in 3 eyes (37.5%) recovered to the preinjury level. The mean corneal epithelial defect closure time was 7.6 ± 2.7 days in the MAMT group, 9.8 ± 3.6 days in the AMT group, and 18.2 ± 5.2 days in the DT group (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the symblepharon rate after treatment among the 3 groups (MAMT: 0%, AMT: 35.7%, DT: 87.5%; p < 0.05). Although the tear secretion was reduced in all groups, it was significantly lower in the DT group compared with the MAMT and AMT groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Paraquat-induced ocular injuries can lead to whole ocular surface damage. MAMT treatment in a timely manner can effectively promote the repair of the ocular surface and reduce the complications from symblepharon.