Novel surgical technique for the management of partial cryptophthalmos

We report a case of a 2-month-old baby with bilateral nonsyndromic partial cryptophthalmos presenting with upper eyelid incomplete development and fusion to the cornea with resultant inability to close the eyes. He was managed successfully with bilateral upper lid reconstruction with composite graft using maternal skin and oral mucous membrane, amniotic membrane, and donor scleral graft. After this one stage surgery, lids were well-formed, and the patient was able to close both eyes, thus achieving good anatomical, functional, and cosmetic outcome.     

Reconstruction of contracted eye socket with amniotic membrane graft

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of amniotic membrane graft for socket reconstruction in cases in which forniceal shortening by scar or symblepharon formation has made it difficult to successfully wear an ocular prosthesis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 20 contracted eye sockets that underwent forniceal reconstruction with amniotic membrane graft from 1997 to 2001. RESULTS: There were 8 male and 12 female patients, with an age range between 2 and 66 years. Duration of forniceal shortening varied from 2 months to 48 years. The operation was performed in the lower fornix in 13 eyes, upper fornix in 1 eye, and both fornices in 6 eyes. The mean follow-up period was 13.6 months. Eighty percent of cases achieved successful prosthetic fitting after surgery. Four eyes had recurrent forniceal shortening after surgery in which a prosthesis could not be properly fitted. There were no serious complications, such as infection or graft rejection. CONCLUSIONS: The use of amniotic membrane grafts can be a useful option in forniceal reconstruction with a high success rate, a low rate of complications, and without discomfort of donor sites.     

羊膜移植结膜囊再造治疗睑球粘连的临床观察

目的 观察和评价不同眼表疾病中羊膜移植结膜囊再造治疗睑球粘连的效果。方法 采用新鲜羊膜移植行结膜囊再造11例(11眼)。其中酸、碱、热灼伤及机械损伤所致睑球粘连6例(6眼)，复发性翼状胬肉睑球粘连5例(5眼)，其中2眼眼球活动受限。分别行粘连切除、羊膜移植及结膜囊再造术，术后随访6～11月。结果 11例中手术成功形成满意结膜囊8例。局部瘢痕粘连，但仍有正常深度结膜囊2例，结膜囊变浅l例。结论 新鲜羊膜取材方便，羊膜移植是行结膜囊再造治疗睑球粘连的有效方法。     

Amniotic membrane transplantation for reconstruction of the conjunctival fornices

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical outcome of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for fornix reconstruction in a variety of ocular surface disorders. DESIGN: Noncomparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen eyes in 15 patients with symblepharon. Four eyes had ocular-cicatricial pemphigoid, two eyes had symblepharon after pterygium excision, four eyes had chemical or mechanical trauma, two eyes had strabismus surgery, two eyes (one patient) had Stevens-Johnson syndrome, one eye had toxic epidermal necrolysis, and two eyes (one patient) had chronic allergic conjunctivitis. INTERVENTION: The subconjunctival scar tissue was dissected from the episclera, and the freed conjunctival flap was recessed to the fornix. A layer of amniotic membrane (AM) was applied to cover the exposed episclera. The fornical edge of the membrane was anchored with sutures passing through the full thickness of the lid. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A deep conjunctival fornix, lack of motility restriction. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 37 +/- 24 months (range, 9-84 months). Complete fornix reconstruction was demonstrated in 12 of 17 eyes (70.6%), whereas 2 eyes had a partial success, and 3 eyes (3 patients) had recurrence of symblepharon with restricted motility. In eyes that demonstrated partial success or failure, the underlying etiology was either an autoimmune disorder or a recurrent pterygium. The most successful outcome was observed in eyes with symblepharon associated with trauma. CONCLUSIONS: AMT is an effective method of fornix reconstruction for the repair of symblepharon in a variety of ocular surface disorders. Future modifications, including an epithelial cellular component on the AM (conjunctival autograft or ex vivo expanded epithelial stem cells) may improve the outcome of this surgical procedure.     

Fornix and conjunctiva reconstruction by amniotic membrane in a patient with conjunctival mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

BACKGROUND: Conjunctival mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a rare, low-grade, non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma. Herein, we report our successful management of the large conjunctival defect caused by resection of conjunctival MALT lymphoma by covering it with transplanted amniotic membrane. CASE: A 28-year-old Japanese man, who had been diagnosed histologically as having conjunctival MALT lymphoma in his left eye, was referred to us for treatment. The tumor was located on the lower bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva, and involved the fornix. Extensive resection of the conjunctival lesion was performed. Two pieces of amniotic membrane were used to reconstruct the fornix, bulbar, and palpebral conjunctival defect. OBSERVATIONS: Epithelialization over the transplantation was completed within 3 weeks when all sutures were removed. During the 6 months of follow-up, there was no recurrence or any postoperative complication, such as graft rejection, symblepharon, or chronic inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated for the first time that amniotic membrane can be used to cover a large defect on both bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva when such a low-grade malignancy as MALT lymphoma is extensively excised. Amniotic membrane transplantation was quite effective for the fornix and conjunctival reconstruction.     

Amniotic membrane transplantation to reconstruct the conjunctival surface in cases of chemical burn

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of preserved human amniotic membrane transplantation for conjunctival surface reconstruction in cases of chemical burn. METHODS: Preserved amniotic membrane transplantation was performed in 6 patients (6 eyes) having symblepharon and fornix insufficiency due to chemical burn. Amniotic membrane was sutured to the intact conjunctiva after the fibrotic tissue was excised. The fornix was reconstructed in cases having fornix insufficiency. These cases were followed up for 4-24 months. RESULTS: During the mean follow-up period (10+/-7.37 months) adequate bulbar conjunctiva and fornix depth was achieved in 5 patients without recurrence and with mild fibrosis. In 1 patient who did not have a healthy conjunctiva preoperatively, conjunctival fibrosis and symblepharon recurred. CONCLUSIONS: Preserved human amniotic membrane transplantation is a good alternative treatment method for conjunctival surface reconstruction in those cases with some healthy peripheral conjunctival tissue.     

眼烧伤后重度睑球粘连眼表重建的临床研究

目的探讨新鲜供体带角膜缘板层角膜移植（LKP）联合带角膜缘干细胞自体球结膜移植和羊膜移植治疗眼烧伤后重度睑球粘连的眼表重建效果。方法选择1998年2月至2003年2月我院收治的眼烧伤后重度睑球粘连患者26例（26只眼）。根据视功能受损程度将睑球粘连分为4度．其中Ⅲ度19只眼、Ⅳ度7只眼。手术方法：（1）分离睑球粘连,保留假性胬肉;（2）利用新鲜供体行带角巩膜缘的部分LKP（19只眼）或全LKP（7只眼）;（3）取带角膜缘组织自体球结膜瓣移植于粘连最重的创面;（4）假性胬肉后徙,部分替代球结膜,联合羊膜移植重建结膜囊。术后随访8～36个月,观察结膜囊情况、眼球活动、角膜植片免疫排斥反应情况以及羊膜和假性胬肉的转归。结果除1只眼因睑裂闭合不全行永久性睑裂缝合术外,其余25只眼的眼表情况均得到不同程度改善。（1）睑球粘连：17只眼（65％）第一次手术后粘连完全分离,复视消失;8只眼（31％）在单纯羊膜覆盖的创面区复发条带状睑球粘连,其中5只眼经再次手术粘连完全解除,3只眼残余Ⅰ度粘连。（2）羊膜在术后1周开始自溶,3个月时完全消失;保留的假性胬肉术后1～3个月充血消退,逐渐变薄,相应区域无睑球粘连复发。（3）角膜情况：6只眼角膜植片发生免疫排斥反应,其中3只眼治疗后植片恢复透明,2只眼因植片混浊行二次LKP。结论新鲜供体带角膜缘LKP联合带角膜缘干细胞自体球结膜移植和羊膜移植是治疗眼烧伤后重度睑球粘连的有效方法,假性胬肉可部分替代球结膜重建结膜囊,羊膜移植在重度睑球粘连的治疗中仅发挥暂时支持创面促进眼表恢复的作用。（中华眼科杂志,2005,41：791-795）     

Role of amniotic membrane transplantation in symblepharon

目的:评估羊膜移植(AMT)在治疗睑球黏连中的应用效果.方法:这项无对照干预性病例研究于2013/01~2015/12,包括连续就诊的12名患者共14眼.患者均接受永久性羊膜移植,以治疗睑球黏连,使用冷冻保存或冷冻干燥的羊膜(AM).这12例(14眼)患者,年龄在26~62岁,平均43.38±11.25岁,其中8例(4名男性,4名女性)10眼为翼状胬肉切除术后继发,4例患者(1名男性,3名女性)斜视手术后继发.所有患者距上次手术至少6mo.术后以恢复深度稳定的穹窿为手术成功,无瘢痕或炎症发生,6mo的随访期间无眼球运动的限制.结果:随访期平均为7±4.2mo(6-9mo).在所有14只眼中,手术后3wk均观察到AM完全上皮化,手术部位无炎症表现.总共14眼中有8眼(成功率57%)显示穹窿重建成功,穹窿深,无复发.有4眼(29%)表现出部分成功,中度深度的穹窿和中度瘢痕.有2眼(14%)显示重建失败,穹窿完全闭合.有7眼手术后视力改善,7眼视力保持稳定.AMT术后并发症少,14眼中1眼(7%)发生严重的结膜反应和眼球运动受限.而在术后前3mo中,14眼中有2眼发生化脓性肉芽肿(14%),予以手术切除,局部糖皮质激素注射.结论:单用AMT是一种治疗睑球黏连安全有效的方法.考虑到与角膜缘切除有关的潜在不良反应,AMT也是一种有效的重建穹窿以修复各种眼表疾病所致睑球黏连的方法.     

Fibrin glue assisted amniotic membrane graft reconstruction of conjunctival fornix and canthus following excision of conjunctival tumours

Conjunctival tumors involving non-limbal locations, such as the fornix and canthus, are typically excised using a “non-touch” technique, often with a wide surgical margin. Reconstruction of these large defects can be difficult due to the contour of the ocular surface and are often complicated by shortening of the fornix, symblepharon formation, and restriction of eye movements. In our experience, the use of amniotic membrane grafts combined with the sealant properties of fibrin glue such as Tisseel® has improved our surgical outcomes during the reconstruction phase. We would like to highlight and describe our surgical technique using fibrin glue and squint hooks to aid amniotic membrane graft reconstruction for surgically challenging locations in the fornix and canthus following excision of conjunctival lesions, with excellent surgical outcomes.     

Amniotic membrane transplantation in the management of conjunctival malignant melanoma and primary acquired melanosis with atypia

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for the management of conjunctival malignant melanoma and primary acquired melanosis (PAM) with atypia. METHODS: Four consecutive patients with histologically proved invasive, primary conjunctival malignant melanoma were treated with wide surgical excision and AMT. Amniotic membrane grafts were harvested and processed under sterile conditions according to a standard protocol. The grafts were sutured to the margins of the surface defect. In one case, AMT was combined with a corneoscleral graft. RESULTS: A satisfactory result and rapid postoperative recovery with few, transient side effects was noted in three patients with limbal/epibulbar melanomas. In another patient with an extensive lesion, involving the epibulbar, forniceal, and palpebral conjunctiva, AMT following wide excision was complicated by symblepharon formation and restricted ocular motility. Monitoring of local recurrence was facilitated by the transparency of the thin graft in all cases. The postoperative follow up time varied between several months and 3 years. In one case, local recurrence of PAM was observed and treated using topical mitomycin. CONCLUSIONS: AMT is a useful technique for the reconstruction of both small and large surface defects that result from the surgical excision of conjunctival malignant melanoma and PAM. This method facilitates wide conjunctivectomy, although its role in repairing larger defects involving the fornix or palpebral conjunctiva still needs to be established. The transparency of amniotic membrane allows for monitoring of tumour recurrence, which is-together with superior cosmesis-an advantage over thicker (for example, buccal) mucous membrane grafts.     

Evaluation of amniotic membrane grafting in the reconstruction of contracted socket

PURPOSE: To study the use of amniotic membrane for the reconstruction of mild to moderate grades of contracted socket and compare it to mucous membrane grafting. METHODS: A total of 20 patients with acquired, anophthalmic contracted socket of mild to moderate grades were studied and divided into two groups: the amniotic membrane graft (AMG) group (10 patients) and the mucous membrane graft (MMG) group (10 patients). The preoperative and postoperative measurements of forniceal depth and volume of socket were compared. After surgery, motility of the prosthesis was also compared. RESULTS: The mean preoperative depth of the lower fornix in the AMG group and the MMG group was 1.5 mm and 1.4 mm, and after surgery, at final follow-up was 5.4 mm and 5.5 mm, respectively. The preoperative mean height of the upper fornix in the AMG group and the MMG group was 10.3 mm and 10.7 mm, and after surgery, at final follow-up was 12.6 mm and 13.2 mm, respectively. The mean preoperative volume of the socket was 0.84 ml in the AMG group and 0.80 ml in the MMG group, and after surgery, at final follow-up was 1.43 ml and 1.48 ml, respectively. The various quantitative parameters including motility of the prosthesis were comparable in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic membrane grafting gave cosmetically and functionally acceptable results in cases of mild to moderate grades of anophthalmic socket contraction. The results were comparable to those of mucous membrane grafting.     

眼表重建手术治疗睑球粘连的临床研究

目的 观察根据睑球粘连病变严重程度选择不同眼表重建术式的有效性. 方法选择2005 年1 月至2008 年06月在沈阳军区总医院眼科住院睑球粘连患者29例32只眼,根据睑球粘连及眼球运动受限程度分为4度.在切除睑球粘连病变瘢痕组织基础上,联合应用自体或异体角膜缘干细胞移植,应用自体结膜、自体口唇黏膜、羊膜组织等进行结膜囊重建,角膜受累者行板层角膜移植术.分别观察眼表面重建效果、眼球运动、视力、移植物情况及合并症,疗效分为完全成功、部分成功及失败. 结果经过超过1年以上时间随访,32只眼中完全成功21只眼(65.63%),部分成功8只眼(25.00%),失败3只眼(9.38%).视力提高者为18只眼(56.25%),合并症为睑球粘连复发、角膜植片排斥及持续性角膜上皮缺损.结论 根据睑球粘连病变严重程度选择不同眼表重建术式可取得较为满意地临床疗效.     

Role of amniotic membrane transplantation for conjunctival reconstruction in ocular-cicatricial pemphigoid

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role and the effectiveness over time of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) as a first-step procedure to treat conjunctival reconstruction in late-stage ocular-cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP). DESIGN: Prospective interventional noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Nine eyes (9 patients) with advanced OCP. METHODS: Preoperatively, the ocular surface conditions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry of conjunctival biopsy and impression cytology specimens. The amniotic membrane was obtained during cesarean section from women who were 39 weeks pregnant and seronegative for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis; it was processed, histologically tested, and stored at -80 degrees C. After scar tissue was removed, the preserved amniotic membrane was placed over the cornea, the bulbar, and tarsal conjunctiva, and was secured with 8-0 Vicryl sutures to the conjunctival edges and the deep fornices with double-armed 6-0 silk sutures. In 2 cases a double layer of amniotic membrane was transplanted. All patients received immunosuppressive systemic therapy and preservative-free tear substitutes and steroids topically for at least 6 months. During follow-up (average, 48 weeks; range, 28-96 weeks), a new standardized method was used to evaluate the fornix depth, and impression cytology testing was performed and conjunctival inflammation recorded and used as parameters for monitoring disease activity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Symblepharon, increased inferior fornix depth, presence of conjunctival goblet cells, and the degree of conjunctival inflammation. RESULTS: The conjunctival surface was free from symblepharon in all subjects for the first 16 weeks. At the week 28 examination, a small area of symblepharon was present in four eyes (44.4%). The depth of the fornix was significantly (P < 0.0001, analysis of variance) improved at weeks 4, 16, and 28. The normal conjunctival epithelium with goblet cells was restored in 6 of 9 eyes (66.7%) at the week 4 examination and in 4 eyes (44.4%) at the week 28 examination. Conjunctival inflammation was clinically but not statistically reduced. The visual acuity improved in 5 subjects. CONCLUSIONS: AMT can be a first-step procedure for ocular surface reconstruction in OCP, but its effectiveness deteriorates slightly over time.     

深低温保存羊膜治疗严重睑球粘连的临床观察

目的:探讨深低温保存羊膜移植治疗严重睑球粘连的临床价值。方法:对43例46眼有严重睑球粘连及假性胬肉的患者,进行睑球粘连松解后,应用羊膜移植重建球结膜和角膜表面,观察其临床效果。结果:在随访期内(平均13±3.5mo),24例患者疗效为优,眼睑球粘连均得到明显改善,眼表基本恢复正常;15例疗效为良,睑球粘连部分复发,但较术前有所改善;7例因上下睑球全粘连、结膜囊闭锁愈后效果较差。结论:对于严重的睑球粘连,深低温保存羊膜移植重建眼表是较理想的治疗方法。     

Prepucial skin graft for forniceal and socket reconstruction in complete cryptophthalmos with congenital cystic eye

We report the case of a 23-day-old boy with unilateral complete cryptophthalmos and congenital cystic eye, who had no associated systemic anomalies. We describe the technique of socket reconstruction with autologous prepucial skin graft used in this patient.     

Transplantation of amniotic membrane for conjunctival and corneal surface reconstruction

Summary The ocular surface epithelia with the tear film as a unit provide clear vision and comfort and serve as the first line of defense. It is important to understand how ocular surface health is maintained and how ocular surface failure occurs. Furthermore, it is timely to summarize new information concerning action mechanisms and clinical uses of amniotic membrane transplantation for ocular surface reconstruction. When appropriately processed and preserved, amniotic membrane as a native matrix can be used as a graft to restore conjunctival surfaces following removal of lesions such as pterygium, tumor, scar, symblepharon, and conjunctivochalasis. It can also be used as a graft to restore corneal surfaces suffering from limbal stem-cell deficiency. For partial limbal deficiency, amniotic membrane alone is frequently sufficient, while for total limbal deficiency it needs to be combined with limbal stem-cell transplantation with or without corneal transplantation. When used as a graft or patch, amniotic membrane can facilitate healing of persistent corneal ulcers and recurrent corneal erosion and reduce corneal haze following keratectomy. Reported data indicate that amniotic membrane transplantation facilitates rapid healing with recovery of a normal epithelial phenotype in the epithelium and reduces inflammation, vascularization, and scarring in the stroma.      

Amniotic membrane use in ophthalmology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to describe the most recent and relevant clinical and experimental data about the use of amniotic membrane in ophthalmology. RECENT FINDINGS: The amniotic membrane is a biologic tissue that has been used as a graft for corneal and conjunctival reconstruction in a variety of ocular surface diseases. It is avascular and possesses anti-angiogenetic, anti-scarring and antiinflammatory properties. It is not a substitute but rather a substrate upon which cells can migrate and regenerate, forming new and healthy tissue. The amniotic membrane can also be used as a biologic patch, as a bandage, to treat acute inflammatory disorders. With the development of cell therapy, amniotic membrane can be also used as a carrier of limbal stem cells or their progeny, cultivated in vitro. SUMMARY: Amniotic membrane use in ophthalmic surgery has been shown to provide an alternative for corneal and conjunctival reconstruction in many clinically challenging situations; however, there is still a lack of scientific evidence based on randomized comparative studies to prove that its use is better than other alternative therapies for ocular surface reconstruction.     

Hughes technique, amniotic membrane allograft, and topical chemotherapy in conjunctival melanoma with eyelid involvement

A 59-year-old woman presented with a pigmented mass in the inferior tarsal conjunctiva of the left eye with an associated diffuse, multifocal pigmentation involving largely the inferior half of the bulbar conjunctiva, fornix, and eyelid skin. Histopathologic examination of map biopsies disclosed conjunctival melanoma from primary acquired melanosis. Surgical excision of the inferior bulbar conjunctiva, fornix, and lower eyelid with histopathologic free margins was performed. Adjuvant cryotherapy was applied. The bulbar conjunctiva and lower fornix were reconstructed with an amniotic membrane allograft. Lower eyelid reconstruction was accomplished by use of the Hughes technique. Topical mitomycin C (0.04%) was applied after surgery. After 2 years of follow-up, no tumor recurrence has been detected and the eyelid and conjunctival defect have been satisfactorily corrected. This combined surgical procedure using amniotic membrane allograft and a composite tarsoconjunctival flap is shown to be useful in the treatment of an advanced conjunctival neoplasia with extensive eyelid involvement.     

Description of palpebral involvement in Fraser's syndrome]

GOAL: Fraser's syndrome is a rare multiple malformation involving the eyes, with cryptophthalmos. In its complete form, cryptophthalmos is a serious malformation with absence of eyelids and palpebral fissure. A review of ophthalmological signs is presented. CASE REPORT: A case of Fraser's syndrome is presented. Ophthalmological and somatic examination as well as evolution are described. RESULTS: Incomplete cryptophthalmos with symblepharon and bilateral palpebral coloboma are present. Surgical treatment with palpebral reconstruction allowed preservation of visual acuity in one eye. DISCUSSION: Ophthalmological signs are present in 93% of cases. Eyelid involvement such as symblepharon, and partial or complete coloboma are relatively frequent, whereas cryptophthalmos in its complete form are much more rare. CONCLUSION: Treatment involves palpebral reconstructive surgery in order to preserve visual function.     

Management of severe ocular burns with symblepharon

Background  To evaluate the effect of lamellar keratoplasty combined with limbal stem cells, using amniotic membrane, autologous conjunctiva, and pseudopterygium to reconstruct external eyes for severe ocular burns with symblepharon. Methods  Thirty eyes of 29 patients had severe symblephara resulting from eye burns. According to the range of the symblepharon and the loss of limbal stem cells, partial lamellar keratoplasty combined with partial limbal stem cell treatment was performed in 19 eyes, and total lamellar keratoplasty with total limbus was performed in 11 eyes. All patients had amniotic membrane and autologous conjunctival transplantation, and the pseudopterygium was preserved to reconstruct the fornix. Results  Symblephara were completely relieved in 19 eyes. They remained partially in ten eyes in strip-like form, but seven of these were completely relieved after further autologous conjunctival transplantation. One eye was treated with tarsorrhaphy for eyelid malformation. The remaining pseudopterygium became thinner after the operation and showed no symblepharon. Immune rejection occurred in eight corneal grafts; clarity was restored in four of these, while there was graft neovascularization in the remaining four. Conclusions  Depending on the area of symblepharon and the loss of limbal stem cells, partial or total lamellar keratoplasty combined with limbal stem cells, using amniotic membrane, autologous conjunctiva and pseudopterygium to reconstruct external eyes appears to be effective in treating severe ocular burns with symblepharon. Pseudopterygium can partly substitute autologous conjunctiva in ocular surface reconstruction.