Amniotic membrane welded to contact lens by 1470-nm diode laser: a novel method for sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation

Abstract

Aim: To avoid the side effects of the suture usage by welding amniotic membrane (AM) to contact lens (CL) with laser. Methods: AM was taken from pregnant women and cleaned from blood clots with sterile phosphate-buffered physiological saline solution which included antibiotics. Stromal side of the AM was spread inside of the CL and it was welded to CL by 1470 nm diode laser. 600 µm diameter fiber tip of the laser was contacted with the epithelial side of the AM from 4 separate points. After welding excess amniotic membrane around the CL was cut with a scalpel.