Treatment of Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy to Optimize the Ocular Surface Prior to Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of cryopreserved amniotic membrane (CAM) after debridement in treating epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD) prior to cataract surgery. METHODS: This pilot study included 2 treatment groups: a prospective study group of 9 subjects with significant EBMD who received debridement followed by self-retained CAM, and a retrospective, control group of 10 consecutive subjects who received debridement followed by a bandage contact lens (BCL). Slit-lamp photography after fluorescein staining were used to monitor healing. Corneal topography and IOL calculation were compared at baseline and 1 month after the procedure. Refraction and ocular surface stability were also compared after cataract surgery. RESULTS: Corneal reepithelialization after debridement occurred in 4.6 ± 0.8 days in the study group and 6.8 ± 0.6 days in the control (p < 0.05). Corneal topography showed changes in curvature from 43.5 ± 1.2D at baseline to 44.6 ± 1.2D at 1 month in the study group and from 45.0 ± 0.6D to 45.7 ± 0.8D in the control (p = 0.38). Average change in IOL calculation was 1.56 D in the study group, compared to 0.95 D in control (p = 0.29). Post-cataract refraction in both groups was within ±0.5 Diopter of the anticipated, and corneal surface remained stable without EBMD recurrence. CONCLUSION: Management of ocular surface disorders prior to cataract surgery stabilizes IOL calculation and reduces postoperative refractive surprises. CAM relatively accelerated healing after debridement; however, it was not better than BCL in stabilizing the ocular surface and improving visual outcome. The use of CAM in cases of EBMD remains speculative.