Use of nonpreserved human amniotic membrane for the reconstruction of the ocular surface

PURPOSE: To describe the use of nonpreserved human amniotic membrane (NP-AMT) as an alternative to preserved human amniotic membrane (AMT) for the reconstruction of the ocular surface in several diseases. METHODS: NP-AMT was used in the treatment of five patients with the following diseases: noninvasive conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, corneal persistent epithelial defect, severe alkali burn, near total limbal deficiency secondary to multiple surgeries, and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. In some cases, a limbal autograft or allograft was employed simultaneously, sutured on top of the NP-AMT. All sutures were made with 10-0 Nylon and were removed at two weeks. RESULTS: Ocular surface was satisfactorily reconstructed, eyes were quiet, and patients were comfortable despite prolonged deepithelialization in some cases. There was a case of a limbal autograft ischemia--in the burned patient--that caused partial corneal conjunctivalization. Initially, the NP-AMT looks thickened but thins around the fifth day and looks similar to AMT. CONCLUSION: Results using NP-AMT are similar to those of AMT. It is a good alternative and it is easily obtained in places were AMT is not available or is too expensive to procure.