Burns. 2026 May 22;52(8):108076. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2026.108076. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) enhanced with a fornix support ring for the treatment of severe acute ocular burns.
METHODS: Eighteen eyes of 15 patients with severe ocular burns (Grades III and IV) were included. Twelve eyes received AMT alone, while six eyes received AMT combined with a fornix support ring. Clinical outcomes, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and postoperative complications, were monitored over a follow-up period of 3-28 months.
RESULTS: In the Grade III burn group, the addition of a fornix support ring to AMT significantly reduced the incidence of entropion and trichiasis compared to AMT alone (p = 0.018 for both). While the differences in symblepharon, keratitis, BCVA, and IOP changes did not reach statistical significance, clinical improvements were noted. Although statistical significance was not achieved in the Grade IV burn group, the group with the fornix support ring showed a reduced incidence of keratitis and other clinical differences.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the fornix support ring is a reliable and effective option for enhancing surgical outcomes in acute ocular burns. By deepening the fornices, improving amniotic membrane adhesion, and reducing the need for extensive suturing, the ring significantly decreases the occurrence of complications, such as symblepharon, entropion, and trichiasis.
PMID:42296600 | DOI:10.1016/j.burns.2026.108076
