Purpose:

To assess the effectiveness of cryopreserved amniotic membrane (CAM) after debridement in treating epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD) prior to cataract surgery.

Methods:

In this prospective controlled study, 10 patients with significant EBMD were treated with debridement followed by self-retained-CAM for one week (study group). Slit lamp photography with fluorescein staining, corneal topography and intraocular lens (IOL) calculation were evaluated before and 1 month after the procedure. Results were compared to a historical control group of 10 EBMD patients that received debridement without CAM.

Results:

Faster healing of the ocular surface was observed after debridement in the study group. Corneal topography showed significant changes in corneal curvature (K reading) from 43.5 ± 1.2 D at baseline to 44.6 ± 1.2 D at 1 month in the study group (p=0.06), and the axis concurrently changed from 114º to 63º. The average change in IOL calculation was >1D, compared to an insignificant change in the historical control group.

Conclusions:

CAM after debridement accelerated the healing of the ocular surface and stabilized its curvature which in turn improved IOL calculation accuracy to reduce postoperative refractive surprises.