The amniotic membrane, or amnion, comprises the innermost layer of the placenta. Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) has been used in many different types of reconstructive surgery. The ophthalmic uses of human amniotic membrane for transplantation are many and its discovery has greatly improved our ability to treat debilitating ocular surface disease. Amniotic membrane has found its use in diverse eye diseases. AMT became important because of its ability to diminish the occurrence of adhesions and scarring, its ability to enhance wound healing. In particular, the amniotic membrane expresses incomplete HLA-A, B, C, and DR antigens, which may account for the fact that immunological rejection after transplantation has not been observed.

How does Amniotic Membrane Transplant (AMT) help?

Amniotic membrane transplantation has been found to -

• Facilitate epithelialization - Heal defects on the surface of eye
• Maintain a normal epithelial phenotype - Stabilize cells on surface of eye
• Reduce inflammation - reduces swelling
• Reduce scarring
• Reduce the adhesion of tissues
• Reduce vascularisation

In what situations is Amniotic Membrane used?

Corneal diseases -

• Chemical injury
• Limbal stem cell deficiency
• Persistent epithelial defects
• Corneal Ulceration
• Symptomatic Bullous Keratopathy

Conjunctival diseases -

• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
• Conjunctival cicatrisation/scar
• Symblepharon lysis
• Conjunctivochalasis
• Conjunctival surface reconstruction
• Pterygium surgery
• Trabeculectomy Bleb Leakage or Revision