PURPOSE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect on amniotic membrane transplantation in symptomatic bullous keratopathy. METHODS: Nine patients with symptomatic bullous keratopathy, candidates or not for penetrating keratoplasty were evaluated before, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after amniotic membrane transplantation. During each visit, patients have been asked about pain, photophobia, and foreign body sensation and were submitted to complete ophthalmological evaluation, esthesiometry and ultrasound pachymetry. RESULTS: Comparing evaluations performed previously and after the procedure regarding pain, photophobia, foreign body sensation and esthesiometry, there was a statistical significant reduction in symptoms and corneal sensitivity. Medium pachymetry showed an increased thickness soon after the procedure and decreasing between 6 and 12 months. It was observed that after 6 months of follow-up, the transplanted amniotic membrane became partially dissolved in 3 cases (33.3%) and totally dissolved in other 3 cases (33.3%). CONCLUSION: Amniotic membrane transplantation represents an effective alternative for the treatment of symptomatic bullous keratopathy up to 12 months of follow-up.
Amnion; Transplantation, heterotopic; Corneal diseases
