[Amniotic membrane transplantation. An indispensable therapy option for persistent corneal epithelial defects].

Nowadays, cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) is omnipresent in the therapy of persistent corneal epithelial defects. With persistent corneal ulcers AMT should be considered early, to avoid keratoplasty à chaud or even a conjunctival flap. A differentiated microsurgical technique results in different integration patterns of AM into the human cornea. The sandwich technique seems to have advantages in contrast to the solitary graft or patch techniques with respect to primary success and recurrence rate. Corneal infections are extremely rare after AMT, but may happen. Postoperatively, phosphate-containing eye drops should not be used to avoid corneal calcification. AMT appears to have a great variety of merits before, instead of, during, or even after keratoplasty. The consequent systemic therapy of underlying diseases is absolutely indispensable for durable success of AMT.