Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the efficacy of early sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation in the management of severe bacterial keratitis to reduce pain, inflammation, and haze, and to promote healing.
Methods: :
A non-comparative case series including 3 eyes of 3 consecutive patients with severe bacterial keratitis exhibiting persistent epithelial defect/ulcer were retrospectively reviewed following early sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation via ProKeraTM together with selective topical antibiotics and preservative-free steroid. Pain relief, inflammation, haze, and corneal epithelial healing were monitored.
Results: :
ProKeraTM was inserted once in one eye, twice in the other two eyes. Pain was significantly relieved, and inflammation was markedly reduced in all cases. The corneal epithelial defect and stromal ulceration rapidly healed while visual acuity improved in two out of the 3 eyes.
Conclusions: :
Temporary sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation via ProKeraTM allows easy insertion and replacement of the membrane in the office, as well as early intervention to promote epithelialization, reduce pain, haze and inflammation in cases with severe bacterial keratitis. This result justifies large series controlled studies in the future.
Keywords: cornea: clinical science • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: systems/equipment/techniques • keratitis