AIM: To observe the efficacy of the corneal limbus stem cell transplantation on treating amniotic membrane dissolving after pterygium resection with amniotic membrane transplantation.

METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four patients(135 eyes)with amniotic membrane dissolving after pterygium resection and amniotic membrane transplantation were randomly divided into groups A, B and C. In group A, 36 cases(38 eyes)took the conservative treatment. In group B, 42 cases(45 eyes)accepted amniotic membrane transplantation again. In group C, 46 cases(52 eyes)were performed corneal limbal stem cell transplantation. Postoperative follow-up periods were 6～18mo.

RESULTS:Twenty-four eyes in group A were recurred and the recurrence rate was 63.2%. Seven eyes in group B were recurred and the recurrence rate was 15. 6%. Two eyes in group C were recurred and the recurrence rate was 3.8%. The differences on recurrence rate between group A and group B, between group B and group C were statistically significant(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Autologous corneal limbus stem cell transplantation is an effective treatment for amniotic membrane dissolving after pterygium resection with amniotic membrane transplantation.