Outcomes Of Human Amniotic Membrane-Derived Dry Matrix Transplantation For The Management Of Corneal Pathology

To report the outcomes of human amniotic membrane-derived dry matrix (AMDDM, Omnigen®) in the management of corneal pathology.

A retrospective study consisting of 45 cases treated with AMDDM at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust between January 2020 and January 2024 for severe corneal disease of different etiologies.

A total of 20 eyes of 18 patients were treated with AMDDM (Omnigen®) in the 55-month period of this study. Pathology included corneal decompensation, corneal perforation, persistent epithelial defect and bullous keratopathy of varying aetiologies. Seven outcome measures were used: baseline visual acuity (VA), final VA, time to heal, time to bandage contact lens (BCL) removal, baseline pain, final pain and further interventions.

53% showed an improvement in VA and the average healing time was 8 weeks. The average time to BCL removal was 2 months with 100% of patients reporting improved comfort compared to baseline. 35% of patients required further intervention due to perforation (4) corneal melting (2), persistent epithelial defect (7), and severe corneal decompensation (2). Of those who required secondary intervention, 60% had an improvement in VA. There were 2 patients who had further AMT as their secondary intervention (corneal perforation = 1, persistent epithelial defect = 1).

AMDDM (Omnigen®) has proven to be a minimally invasive procedure offering a successful treatment option in acute corneal pathology with the advantages of reduced storage, cost and transport restrictions. Future larger prospective control-group studies will establish whether AMDDM can become the new gold-standard in amniotic membrane transplantation.