AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE TRANSPLANT IN A PATIENT WITH RECURRENT MACULAR HOLE AND ATROPHIC AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

Purpose: To report a case of a recurrent macular hole (MH) and atrophic age-related macular degeneration in a patient, treated with human amniotic membrane transplant.

Methods: Interventional case report.

Results: A 72-year-old man was referred to our Retina Unit for a recurrent MH associated with atrophic age-related macular degeneration. The patient was already operated for a full-thickness MH without any anatomical and functional benefit. A 25-gauge vitrectomy, under local anesthesia was performed. A human amniotic membrane patch was transplanted under the retina through a 180° retinectomy to close the MH and eventually exploit his regenerative effects on the atrophic pigment epithelium. Follow-up was taken at 1, 3, and 6 months and 1 year. No intra- or postoperative complications were recorded. At 1 month, a complete MH closure was achieved, and best-corrected visual acuity increased from 20/400 to 20/320. Unfortunately, after 1 year, the macular atrophic area increased and the best-corrected visual acuity came back to 20/400.

Conclusion: A human amniotic membrane was used to close a MH in a patient with atrophic age-related macular degeneration, although progression of the geographic atrophy continued after MH closure.