Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane for Corneal Epithelial Abrasions: Case Series

Laura Goldberg OD, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineFollow

Medical Subject Headings

Humans; Male; Female; Infant, Newborn; Cicatrix; Epithelium, Corneal; Photophobia; Lubricant Eye Drops; Anesthetics, Local; Amnion; Ficus; Ulcer; Vision, Low; Slit Lamp Microscopy; Fluorescein; Burns, Chemical; Lubricants; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Follow-Up Studies; Consensus; Emergency Room Visits; 2,d-dichloro-4 bromophenol; Corneal Perforation; Goals; Interior Design and Furnishings; Intraocular Pressure; Ointments; Temperature; Cornea; Eye Infections; Bandages; Pain; Cataract; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Surgical Instruments; Inflammation; Edema; Morbidity; Steroids; Erythema; Staining and Labeling; Medical Records; Placenta; Outcomes Assessment, Health Care, Contact Lenses; Demography; Foreign Bodies; Perception; Sensation

Abstract

Background: Corneal abrasions are one of the most frequent ocular conditions encountered in the emergency department and can lead to significant morbidity and visual impairment. Amniotic membrane has inherent anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring properties that help accelerate epithelialization and help prevent the complications known to be associated with corneal injuries. Herein we assessed the time till complete epithelialization after in-office application of cryopreserved amniotic membrane in cases of traumatic corneal abrasions in the acute setting.

Case Reports: A total of ten eyes (5 right eye; 5 left eye) of ten consecutive patients (8 Male; 2 Female; average age 40.9 ± 17.8 years) were included with initial complaints of ocular pain (n=5), blurred vision (n=9), photophobia (n=3), and tearing (n=5). All patients presented with corneal abrasions were observed by slit-lamp with fluorescein staining. Self-retained, cryopreserved amniotic membrane was placed for an average 1.9 ± 0.7 days. Complete corneal epithelialization was noted in 2 (20%) eyes at 1 day, 5 (50%) eyes at 2 days, 2 (20%) eyes at 3 days, and 1 (10%) eye at 7 days without any residual corneal scarring or haze. One eye of a patient had residual light sensitivity at 3 days. No complications were noted.

Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest clinical benefit of self-retained cryopreserved amniotic membrane in the treatment of acute traumatic corneal epithelial abrasions. Prompt in-office treatment for a short duration led to complete healing without complication.

Recommended Citation

Goldberg L. Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane for Corneal Epithelial Abrasions: Case Series. Optometric Clinical Practice. 2025; 7(2):27. https://doi.org/10.37685/uiwlibraries.2575-7717.7.2.1041