Superficial keratectomy and amniotic membrane patch in the treatment of corneal plaque of vernal keratoconjunctivitis

PURPOSE. To report the importance of early surgical treatment of corneal ulcers associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) which may potentially produce severe lesions and permanent visual sequelae. METHODS. The authors present the case of a child with corneal ulcer in plaque who did not respond to medical treatment and had a good response to surgical treatment. RESULTS. A superficial keratectomy with an amniotic membrane patch was performed. A rapid postoperative epithelialization with a final good visual acuity was achieved. CONCLUSIONS. Although amniotic membrane grafts following keratectomy have been described as a successful treatment in deep ulcers, in cases with slight stromal thinning, the amniotic membrane patch may be enough to achieve epithelialization. This procedure avoids the presence of the remains of membrane under the epithelium, which may affect postoperative corneal transparency.