Morselized Amniotic Membrane Tissue for Refractory Corneal Epithelial Defects in Cicatricial Ocular Surface Diseases

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of morselized amniotic membrane and umbilical cord tissue (MAU) in treating refractory corneal epithelial defect in ocular cicatricial diseases. METHODS: Retrospective review of four patients with ocular cicatricial diseases treated with topical MAU for corneal epithelial defects refractory to conventional treatments including topical lubricants, autologous serum, bandage contact lens, and tarsorraphy. Their symptoms, corneal staining, conjunctival inflammation, and visual acuity were compared before and after treatment. RESULTS: After topical application of MAU twice daily, two patients demonstrated rapid corneal epithelialization with prompt visual acuity improvement at the first day. All patients showed corneal epithelialization in 7.3 ± 2.6 days accompanied by a significant relief of symptoms, reduction of ocular surface inflammation, and improvement of visual acuity. CONCLUSION: This pilot study suggests topical MAU can be developed into a novel treatment for treating refractory corneal epithelial defects. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: Topical MAU can be an effective novel treatment for refractory corneal epithelial defects.