Ocular surface reconstruction using amniotic membrane allograft for severe surface disorders in chemical burns: Case report and review of the literature

Ocular chemical burns are frustrating disorders. The conjunctival surface provides a defense mechanism protecting against infection, desiccation, and injury, being centered in the epithelial lining of the ocular surface. A monocular case of severe acid chemical burn is presented. Postinjury-stratified epithelium in the inferior cul-de-sac with eye movement and contact with the lower eyelid resulted in repeated corneal abrasions, vascularization, and scarring. This vexing problem was recalcitrant to medical and conservative treatment because of delayed and prevented healing from continuous conjunctival abrasive irritation inflicted on the corneal surface. Amniotic membrane allograft transplantation in destructive lesions of the conjunctiva acts as a reconstructive graft in nonhealing lesions of the ocular surface. Successful placement of an amniotic membrane allograft (AmbioDry) in conjunction with excision of an extensive amount of stratified epithelial scar tissue was accomplished. Marked improvement followed surgery, and a definitive solution resulted for the severely burned right eye.