Amniotic membrane transplantation in diabetic corneal ulcer

Objective To evaluate the effects of amniotic membrane transplantation in refractory corneal ulcer accompanied with diabetes mellitus. Methods Sixteen patients with refractory diabetic corneal ulcer from March 2010 to February 2016 were included in this study. All patients were giv-en cornea scraping and microbial cultivation to exclude bacteria, fungal and amoebal infection. After strengthen controlling the blood sugar, all patients received amniotic membrane transplantation. According to the depth of the ulcer, the patient received a single layer or multi-layer amniotic membrane transplantation. Outcomes measured included corneal ulcer healing, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and complications. The follow-up period was 4-16 months. Results One patient received amniotic membrane transplantation twice. The corneal ulcer resolved in 16 patients in 2 weeks to 2 months postoperatively and formed macula or leukoma. At the last visit, BCVA was improved in all patients. There was no serious complication in the follow-up. Conclusions Amniotic membrane transplantation can effectively promote corneal healing. It is an effect treatment for refractory diabetic corneal ulcer. Key words: Diabetic keratopathy; Corneal ulcer; Amniotic membrane transplantation