Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation as a crucial adjunctive therapy in the management of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Methods: We provided amniotic membrane transplantation in association with superficial keratectomy for 5 cases of culture–proven Acanthamoeba keratitis, performed by one surgeon (Ray JF Tsai) at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, between Dec. 2001 and Jan 2003, with the concomitant application of topical amoebicidal agents. Results: Long–term stability of corneal epithelium and stroma were derived in all cases for at least six–months follow–up. No recurrences were noted. Visual acuity was improved in 2 cases with residual faint quiescent scar and the other two cases following additional penetrating keratoplasty. Conclusions: Amniotic membrane transplantation provided a prominent adjunctive anti–inflammatory effect, which was essential for the management of acanthamoeba keratitis.
Keywords: Acanthamoeba • keratitis