Amniotic Membrane Transplantation For Anterior Segment Disease: A 10-Year Real-World Clinical Outcomes Study
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: POCOR570 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/tm09-0085
Authors: Dr Stipe Vidović* 1 , A/Prof. Suzana Matić 1 , A/Prof. Dubravka Biuk 1 , Ms Lucija Matić 2 , Dr Ivana Strunje 1 , Dr Marija Jelić Vuković 1 , Dr Vedran Nemet 1 , Dr Dunja Bajtl 1 , Dr Mia Edl 3 , Ms Marija Matić 4
1Department of Ophtalmology,University Hospital Center Osijek,Osijek,Croatia;Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek,Osijek,Croatia, 2Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek,Osijek,Croatia, 3Department of Ophtalmology,University Hospital Center Osijek,Osijek,Croatia, 4Faculty of Medicine, University of Mostar,Mostar,Bosnia and Herzegovina
Purpose
To evaluate the clinical indications, surgical techniques, visual outcomes, and reoperation rates in patients undergoing amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for anterior segment pathology over a 10-year period, and to assess whether outcomes differ according to the surgical technique used. The study aims to provide real-world evidence on the effectiveness and safety of AMT in the management of complex ocular surface disease, with particular focus on functional visual improvement and the need for additional surgical intervention in routine clinical practice.
Setting
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Center Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.
Methods
A retrospective review of medical records was performed for patients who underwent amniotic membrane transplantation between January 2013 and December 2023. Data collected included patient demographics, indication for surgery, type of surgical technique (including single-layer vs two or three layers), preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, and the occurrence of reoperation. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate changes in visual acuity and to assess potential associations between surgical technique and reoperation rates. Outcomes were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of AMT across different clinical indications in routine practice.
Results
A total of 69 patients were included, with a median age of 77 years, reflecting a predominantly elderly population. The most common indication for AMT was bullous keratopathy (52 patients, 75.4%), followed by deep corneal ulcers (7 patients, 10.1%) and corneal perforation (5 patients, 7.2%). A single-layer technique was performed in 40 patients (58%). Reoperation was required in 6 patients (8.7%). There was no statistically significant association between surgical technique and the need for reoperation (Fisher’s exact test, P=0.24). Visual acuity showed a statistically significant improvement following AMT (Wilcoxon test, P<0.001), supporting its clinical effectiveness.
Conclusions
Amniotic membrane transplantation represents a safe and effective surgical option for the management of a wide spectrum of anterior segment and ocular surface diseases, particularly in elderly patients with complex corneal pathology. The procedure is associated with significant functional visual improvement and a low rate of reoperation in real-world clinical practice. The absence of a significant difference in reoperation rates between surgical techniques suggests that the choice of technique can be individualized according to clinical presentation and surgeon preference. These findings support the continued use of AMT as an important component of the therapeutic strategy for challenging ocular surface conditions.