AIM: To observe the clinical effect of amniotic membrane transplantation and penetrating keratoplasty in the treatment of atheromatous corneal ulcer.

METHODS: Thirteen patients(13 eyes)diagnosed atheromatous corneal ulcer from February 2009 to May 2014 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical treatment including amniotic membrane transplantation and penetrating keratoplasty were used to deal the patients with no effects of drugs. All patients were followed up for 4mo to 2a(mean 8mo)after surgery. Visual acuity, healing and recipient of ulcer were examined.

RESULTS:There patients were treated conservatively with corneal ulcer slowly healing, healing time was 14～35(21±12.1)d. Seven cases were treated with amniotic membrane transplantation, 2 cases were treated with penetrating keratoplasty, 1 case of corneal ulcer perforation and lost light perception received enucleation of eyeball. Corneal ulcer were cured in patients performed amniotic membrane transplantation and penetrating keratoplasty. All patients had no recurrence during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION: Atheromatous corneal ulcer is difficult to be cured by conservative treatment. Most patients need operation treatment. Amniotic membrane transplantation and penetrating keratoplasty can be performed to deal with atheromatous corneal ulcer and abtain satisfactory effect. But amniotic membrane transplantation is relatively simple and easy, and it is suitable for promotion in primary hospitals.