AIM: To investigate the effect and value of amniotic membrane patches and grafts for acute ocular surface burn at different degrees.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 28 cases(28 eyes)affected by ocular chemical or thermal burn with different degree were included in our hospital from March 2007 to March 2012. Amniotic membrane patched was undergone in 13 eyes with fresh amnion that the patients corneal burns degree Ⅱ or Ⅲ with partial limbal buns at degree Ⅳ. Amniotic membrane grafts was performed in 15 eyes with fresh amnion that the patients all corneal burns at degree Ⅲ with the whole limbal necrosis without severe eyelid defect. The follow-up time ranged 6～24mo. The postoperative visual acuity, the condition of amniotic membrane transplant, renovation of cornea and complications were observed.

RESULTS: Postoperative corrected visual acuity was improved in 20 eyes(71%), it was not changed in 5 eyes(18%), the visual acuity declined in 3 eyes(11%). The amniotic membrane survived in 23 eyes and the survival rate was up to 82%. The cornea of 4 eyes recovered to transparent, nebula emceed in 8 eyes eventually, corneal macula emerged in 10 eyes, 4 eyes ended up with leukoma, 2 eyes developed corneal melting after therapy, then received lamellar keratoplasty. Corneal surface become epithelization after amnion patches or grafts, but any of them have recurrent epithelial erosion, and become stable epithalization after repeat operation.

CONCLUSION: Amniotic membrane patches and grafts is an effective method to deal with acute ocular surface burn.