Amniotic Membrane Transplantation In Advanced Neurotrophic Keratitis: A Case Report

Neurotrophic Keratitis (NK) is a degenerative cornea disease caused by trigeminal nerve impairment, leading to impaired corneal healing and risk of ulceration, or perforation. Conventional treatments often fail in severe cases. Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) has emerged as a promising biological therapy due to its anti-inflamatory, anti-fibrotic and epithelialization-promoting properties.

The repoeted case was managed in hospital setting in mior operating theater with regular clinic follow ups.

We report a 62-years old female with stage 3 NK secondary to long standing  herpes zoster opthalmicus and exposure keratopathy due to severe right sode bells palsy. Despite intensive treatment with lubricants, topical steroids and antiviral therapy, the patient developed a non healing epithelial defectwith stromal thinning and scarring. A single layer cryoprserved amniotic membrane was fitted onto the corneal surface. within 3 weeks, complete epithelization of the epithelium defect was acheaived , cornea transparency improved and visual acuity improved by 2 lines. No recuurrence was observed during 3 months of follow up.

AMT can be an effective therapeutic option for persistant epithelial defect in NK providing a scaffold for epithelial healing and reducing inflamation. This case highlights its role in vision preservation and ocular surface stabilization.