Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of amniotic membrane in the management of painful bullous Keratopathy. Material and Method: Amniotic membrane transplantation was performed at Ophthalmology Department Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. The study included 15 eyes (15 patients) with symptomatic bullous keratopathy and poor visual potential. The underlying causes of bullous keratopathy included aphakia (4 eyes), pseudophakia(9 eyes), and others (2 eyes). Results: During the follow-up period of 6 weeks after amniotic membrane transplantation, 13 0f the 15 eyes with intolerable pain preoperatively became pain free postoperatively. Among the 2 eyes with residual pain, 1received repeated amniotic membrane transplantation and 1 had reduced pain. Epithelial defects in 13 of the 15 eyes created and covered by amniotic membrane healed rapidly within 2 weeks. Only 2 eyes showed recurrent surface breakdown. Epithelial edema or bullae recurred in a smaller area in only 1 eye and that was effectively controlled with medical treatment. Conclusion: Amniotic membrane transplantation is a good treatment option for alleviating pain, promoting epithelial healing, and preserving cosmetic appearance in patients with symptomatic bullous keratopathy and poor visual potential.