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Amniotic membrane transplantation a versatile tool

Healio Optometry2d ago1 min read

Amniotic membrane has been in clinical use in ophthalmology for more than half a century. The histological nature of the membrane has been used for various eye surface diseases, and indications have expanded.Amniotic membrane (AM) is the innermost layer of the placenta and consists of a thick basement membrane and an avascular stromal matrix. Since its first ophthalmic use in the 1940s and its reintroduction by Tseng and colleagues in the 1990s, amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) has become an important tool in ocular surface reconstruction.AM is composed of five layers: epithelial

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AI Summary

Quick Take

Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) has evolved from its 1940s origins into a cornerstone of ocular surface reconstruction, leveraging the placenta's innermost layer to treat various surface diseases. Composed of a thick basement membrane and an avascular stromal matrix, this versatile biological tool has seen significantly expanded clinical indications since its reintroduction in the 1990s.

Why It Matters

For the modern eye care professional, AMT represents a unique biological scaffold that facilitates healing in complex ocular surface pathologies. Its histological structure—specifically the basement membrane and avascular stroma—provides a foundation for epithelial growth that is difficult to replicate with synthetic materials. As the clinical applications for these membranes continue to grow, they are becoming an essential component of the toolkit for managing persistent epithelial defects and surface reconstruction.

Key Details

Amniotic membrane (AM) is the innermost layer of the placenta, consisting of a thick basement membrane and an avascular stromal matrix.
The membrane is histologically complex, composed of five distinct layers, including an epithelial layer.
First utilized in ophthalmology in the 1940s, the technique was modernized and reintroduced by Tseng and colleagues in the 1990s.
AMT is currently utilized as a versatile tool for ocular surface reconstruction and the treatment of various eye surface diseases.
The clinical use of amniotic tissue in ophthalmology now spans more than half a century, with a recent trend toward expanding indications.

Practice Implications

Clinicians should consider AMT as a primary option for ocular surface reconstruction where a biological basement membrane or stromal scaffold is required. Its long history of clinical use and unique histological properties make it a reliable choice for managing various surface diseases that do not respond to conventional therapies.

Who's Affected

Cornea SpecialistsAnterior Segment SurgeonsComprehensive OphthalmologistsOptometrists managing ocular surface disease

Evidence StrengthStrong

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