Novel Use of Double-Layer Amniotic Membrane Technique in Tube Erosion in a Pediatric Patient

This case report illustrates the successful use of the double-layer amniotic membrane technique in a child with glaucoma and aniridia. A 3.5 year-old girl with bilateral congenital glaucoma as well as aniridia, lens coloboma, nystagmus, and strabismus had been followed up since birth. Medical treatment did not result in the desired intraocular pressure improvement. An Ahmed glaucoma valve was implanted bilaterally. In a follow-up visit at 2 years of age, there were complaints of redness with watery discharge in the right eye. A biomicroscopic evaluation revealed tube erosion of the conjunctiva. The eroded area was dissected from the surrounding tissue and the area was closed using the new double layer amnion membrane technique. After the surgery, the intraocular pressure was normal. Subsequent follow-up indicated that the erosion defect was closed and stabilized. The double-layer amniotic membrane technique can be used successfully in cases of conjunctival tube erosion. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first published pediatric case report of using the novel technique of amniotic membrane transplantation for tube erosion.