This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Amniotic membrane transplantation in pterygium surgery hinges on indications
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
ORLANDO, Fla. — Amniotic membrane transplantation is generally appropriate for pterygium surgery, but a degree of concern surrounds its use, a physician researcher said here.
Roy S. Chuck, MD, PhD, elucidated the upsides and downsides of amniotic membrane transplantation during Cornea Subspecialty Day preceding the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting.
"Is [amniotic membrane transplantation] abused for pterygium surgery? It may be for some, but if [proper] indications are present, it can be justified," Dr. Chuck said.
Advantages of amniotic membrane transplantation in pterygium surgery include the ability to restore large tissue excision sites, reduce the recurrence of primary or secondary pterygia, and maintain cosmetic appearance. Conjunctival autografts, the current gold standard for pterygium surgery, may not be sufficient to cover large excised areas, Dr. Chuck said.
Improvements to amniotic membrane transplantation include sutureless transplantation with fibrin glue, which reduces surgery time and minimizes foreign body sensation, he said.
Potential disadvantages of amniotic membrane transplantation include longer surgery time and risk of complications such as granuloma formation, giant papillary conjunctivitis and patient discomfort, Dr. Chuck said.
Amniotic membrane tissue specimens from different donors may vary according to the donors' age and race, gestation time and environmental factors. In addition, different amniotic membrane specimens from one donor may vary in thickness, Dr. Chuck said. Further study of the efficacy of amniotic membrane and tissue preparation is warranted, Dr. Chuck said.
- Disclosure: Dr. Chuck is a consultant for IOP Inc.