Amniotic Membrane Grafts Following Excision of Corneal and Conjunctival Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Background: We evaluated the efficiency of amniotic membrane grafts (AMGs) for reconstructingthe conjunctival surface following excision of corneal and conjunctivalintraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).Methods: This was a retrospective, noncomparative, interventional study. Five eyes in5 patients were treated between April 1996 and September 2002 with thesame procedure to apply amniotic membrane grafts after excising CIN.According to a standard protocol, the amniotic membrane was harvested andprocessed under sterile conditions. The amniotic membrane graft was appliedover the excised bare scleral area and anchored with 10-0 nylon interruptedsutures. Patient data and clinical photographs were reviewed and analyzed.Results: The mean follow-up period was 27 (range, 6-69) months. Ocular surfacehealing was rapid and complete in all cases. No recurrence was found.Conclusion: Amniotic membrane graft is an effective and safe alternative adjunctivetreatment for primary CIN. Further studies with longer follow-up are recommendedto evaluate the risk of recurrence and other adverse effects.