Ocular surface pathologies and tissue transplantation in the Department of Ophthalmology and Clinical Optometry

Abstract

Introduction. Corneal pathologies rank among the top three causes of blindness worldwide. Various degenerative, dystrophic, inflammatory, traumatic, or infectious conditions can affect the clarity and integrity of the cornea. One radical treatment method for these pathologies is keratoplasty, a surgical procedure to replace the pathological cornea with a healthy one from a donor. Annually, approximately 185,000 corneal transplants are performed worldwide. Objective of the Study. To highlight the pathologies affecting the ocular surface that require corneal transplantation, and to evaluate the dynamics of the number of corneal and amniotic membrane transplant surgeries over the years 2022 and 2023 at the Ophthalmology and Optometry Clinic of USMF "Nicolae Testemițanu." Methods and Materials. An analysis study based on the Tissue Transplant Agency Reports in the Department of Ophthalmology and Clinical Optometry for the last 2 years, within the Transplant Center of IMSP SCM "Sf. Treime." Results. In 2022, 9 corneal transplant surgeries were performed, and in 2023, 18 transplants. The main indication for these interventions was penetrating corneal ulcers as an emergency indication, and certain pathologies leading to irreversible corneal opacification. Additionally, corneal transplants were also implemented in cases of acute bacterial and viral keratitis complicated by ulceration or opacification. Over these 2 years, 174 cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplants were performed to enhance corneal epithelialization and reduce inflammation, especially in cases of keratitis. Conclusion During the years 2022-2023, a total of 201 tissue transplants on the ocular surface were performed, including 27 corneal grafts and 174 amniotic membrane grafts. There was a 19% increase in the number of transplant surgeries in 2023.