Role of Amniotic Membrane Extract Eye Drops as an Adjunctive Therapy in Resistant Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulceration is one of the leading causes of corneal blindness. Multiple causes of corneal ulceration vary in prevalence from country to country according to geographical and economic conditions.

Amniotic membrane (AM) contains pluripotent stem cells, highly organized collagen, immune-modulators, growth factors, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory cytokines, A variety of matrix proteins, in addition to anti-microbial effect. Inspite of the amniotic membrane transplant is still a surgical procedure, it is not indicated in mild to moderate cases of resistant corneal ulceration and persistent epithelial defects and would alter visual function gravely.

Researchers found that amniotic membrane extract eye drops (AMEED) are superior to autologous blood serum in level and variety of growth factors, cytokines, and antimicrobial activity, along with higher success rates and faster healing results; they discarded the amniotic membrane conditioned medium as it failed to provide matching results.

Inclusion criteria

• Age from 20 to 80 years.
• Both sexes.
• Patients who were suffering from corneal ulcers that showed no signs of improvement after one week of medical intervention.

Exclusion criteria

• Severe corneal melting.
• Perforated corneal ulcer.
• Corneal ulcers with significant thinning with or without descemetocele.
• Patients who were unable to adhere to the treatment plan properly.