Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the outcome of the use of the temporary amniotic membrane patch (TAMP) for the treatment of primary pterygium and to investigate the mechanisms of reducing the recurrence rate.
Methods: Twenty eyes in 20 patients with primary pterygium underwent pterygium excision followed by TAMP for 5 days. Removed amniotic membrane (AM) was immunostained with primary antibodies CD34, c-Kit, STRO-1 and AC133.
Results: Within the period of follow-up (53.3+/-13.8 months), all the eyes showed a smooth ocular surface without recurrence of pterygium. Different grades of CD34, c-Kit, STRO-1and AC133 positive stem and progenitor cells infiltrated or attached to the stroma of patched AM, with more spindle-shaped c-Kit cells than ovoid-shaped CD34 and AC133 cells.
Conclusion: The temporary amniotic membrane patch is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of primary pterygium. Absorbing excessive stem and progenitor cells may be one of the mechanisms of reducing the recurrence rate using AM.