Total ocular surface amniotic membrane transplantation for paraquat-induced ocular surface injury.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of modified amniotic membrane transplantation (MAMT) for paraquat-induced ocular surface injury.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty patients (30 eyes) with paraquat-induced ocular surface injury.

METHODS

Among the patients, 8 underwent MAMT, 14 received conventional amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT), and 8 were treated with simple drug therapy (DT). Features related to the damage, corneal epithelial defect closure time, visual acuity, stromal haze, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

In the MAMT and AMT groups, visual acuity in all eyes recovered to the preinjury level; in the DT group, visual acuity in 3 eyes (37.5%) recovered to the preinjury level. The mean corneal epithelial defect closure time was 7.6 ± 2.7 days in the MAMT group, 9.8 ± 3.6 days in the AMT group, and 18.2 ± 5.2 days in the DT group (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the symblepharon rate after treatment among the 3 groups (MAMT: 0%, AMT: 35.7%, DT: 87.5%; p < 0.05). Although the tear secretion was reduced in all groups, it was significantly lower in the DT group compared with the MAMT and AMT groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Paraquat-induced ocular injuries can lead to whole ocular surface damage. MAMT treatment in a timely manner can effectively promote the repair of the ocular surface and reduce the complications from symblepharon.