Amniotic membrane transplantation for ocular surface reconstruction

The amniotic membrane, composed of 3 layers, the epithelium, basement membrane, and the stroma, was first used along with the chorion as a biologic membrane to promote healing of skin bums in 1910. In ophthalmology, it was used in 1940 in the management of conjunctival defects. Its revival in the 1990s was due to its ability to reduce ocular surface inflammation and scarring, promote rapid epithelialization due to the presence of growth factors, and antimicrobial properties. This has resulted in its application in several ocular disorders. A review of the literature shows that amniotic membrane is definitely beneficial in some but not all pathology. The future of amniotic membrane transplantation is very exciting, especially in the field of limbal stem cell research. However, further work is needed to elucidate whether it functions merely as a biologic contact lens or whether it has additional benefits.