Predictors of treatment success in corneal surface disorder: A comparative analysis of amniotic membrane grafting and medical management

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the predictors of treatment success in corneal surface disorders.Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 40 patients who were divided into two groups: Group A underwent Amniotic Membrane Grafting, while Group B received Conventional Medical Management. The patients were followed for a duration of 8 weeks after treatment. At the end of the 8-week period, visual acuity was measured using the Snellen chart, and any remaining symptoms were assessed.Result: The study included 40 cases of corneal ulcer, with 23 (57.5%) being male and 17 (42.5%) female. Ocular surface disorders observed in the cases included persistent epithelial defect (55%), impending perforated corneal ulcer (25%), symblepharon due to chemical injury (10%) and perforated corneal ulcer (10%). Relief from symptoms such as pain levels (n=1), photophobia (n=1), foreign body (FB) sensation (n=0), eye watering (n=1), redness (n=1), and discharge (n=0) was observed earlier (4th week) in Group B compared to Group A (8th week). The majority of patients in Group B experienced relief from these symptoms by the end of the follow-up period. The success rate of the AMG-treated group was higher (85%) compared to the conventional medical management group (60%). Baseline uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) improved from 2.67 logMAR to 1.03 logMAR within 1 to 4 weeks after surgery and to 0.76 logMAR at the last follow-up in Group B, while it improved from +2.67 to +0.85 at the last follow-up in Group A.Conclusion: Amniotic membrane grafting is an effective treatment choice for promoting healing in corneal wounds that do not respond to conventional treatment.