Repair of scleromalacia using preserved scleral graft with amniotic membrane transplantation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of preserved scleral graft with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for the surgical repair of scleromalacia.
METHODS: A prospective study of eight eyes (eight patients) was performed. We grafted glycerin-preserved sclera onto the areas of scleral thinning with impending perforation and then covered them with an amniotic membrane with a thick basement membrane instead of a conjunctival flap.
RESULTS: All patients experienced loss of ocular pain and inflammation, rapid reepithelialization of the ocular surface, and marked improvement in visual acuity. All of the scleral grafts remained intact, and no recurrence of scleromalacia was observed.
CONCLUSION: Preserved scleral graft with AMT was simple, fast, and effective. It was particularly advantageous when large scleral defects or conjunctival scarring was present. With these therapeutic results, preserved scleral graft with AMT qualifies as a new treatment alternative for scleromalacia.