Dr.Shreya Thatte, T04915
Purpose : Delayed complications of chemical burn ends in obliteration of fornix and total stem cell loss, requiring reconstruction of fornix and stem cell grafting to rejuvenate ocular surface. Study evaluates the efficacy of amniotic membrane (AM) along with stem cells to recreate fornix and ocular surface.
Method :24 patients of unilateral delayed chemical burn with various degree of symblepheron with total stem cell loss were studied. Fornix reconstruction with AM was carried out separately or along with simple limbal epithelial transplant (SLET) depending on severity of symblepheron.
Results :Mild to moderate symblepheron corrected along with SLET in single step successfully. Severe symblepheron required 2 step surgery to achieve intended goal of deeper fornix and healthy ocular surface.
Conclusion :Fornix reconstruction with AM along with SLET in unilateral delayed complication of chemical burn showed acceptable cosmetic and visual results.