Sutureless Conjunctivoplasty In Severe Ocular Burns Using Platelet Rich Fibrin Membrane Grafting

The aim of this study is to investigate and assess the advantages of the sutureless Platelet Rich Fibrin membrane grafting technique in the treatment of severe ocular surface burns refractive to other treatment options.

20^th August Hospital, Ibn Rochd University Hospital Casablanca, Morocco

Two eyes with severe chemical ocular burn (Roper-Hall grade IV) that underwent classic treatment regimen (topical lubricants, autologous serum, steroids, cylcins) were included.

To prepare the autologous PRF membrane, 5 mL fresh blood sample was drawn into a glass-coated tube without an anticoagulant, and were immediately centrifuged at 2700 rpm (approximately 400 ×g) for 13 minutes using a table centrifuge system. The fibrin clots were concentrated on top of the red blood cell corpuscles at the bottom of the tubes which were then mechanically withdrawn with forceps and gently compressed.

PRF membrane was then placed on the bare sclera and secured with the symblepharon ring.

Both eyes received an associated Platelet rich plasma subconjunctival injection, and the procedure was performed again after two weeks. After one month, both eyes presented with signs of limbal revascularization

This study showed us the beneficial effects of the PRF membrane on conjunctival healing. Besides its chemical effects, it provides mechanical support as a scaffold for the migrating cells that are important for ocular surface regeneration. These overall results encourage us to apply autologous PRF membrane as a growth factor-enriched endogenous scaffold for ocular surface reconstruction.