Effect of ocular surface reconstruction by using amniotic membrane transplant for symptomatic conjunctivochalasis on fluorescein clearance test results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the hypothesis that the therapeutic effect of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) ocular surface reconstruction in the setting of symptomatic temporal conjunctivochalasis is through improved tear clearance. METHODS: Twelve eyes with delayed tear clearance by the fluorescein clearance test in the setting of symptomatic temporal conjunctivochalasis were subjected to surface reconstruction by using AMT and evaluated for the effect on delayed tear clearance, symptoms, surface erosions, artificial tear use, visual acuity, and tear strip wetness. RESULTS: AMT of temporal symptomatic conjunctivochalasis did not improve tear clearance; however, it significantly improved symptoms (Fisher exact test, P = 0.001), surface erosions (Fisher exact test, P = 0.008), and log minimal angle resolution visual acuity (Fisher exact test, P = 0.007) and reduced artificial tear use (Fisher exact test, P = 0.015). There was also an improvement in tear strip wetting, but this did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Relief of symptoms and improvement in clinical signs after AMT for symptomatic temporal conjunctivochalasis was not caused by improved tear clearance.