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Protecting the Cornea During Radiation Plaque Therapy

Paul T. Finger, MD

Arch Ophthalmol. 2008;126(4):531-534.

Objective  To use amniotic membranes as a buffer between the cornea and radioactive eye plaques.

Methods  Six melanomas were treated with ophthalmic plaque radiation therapy. Plaque-tumor localization required that a portion of the gold plaque touch the cornea during treatment. To enhance patient comfort and protect the cornea, an (0.1-mm-thick) amniotic membrane was interposed between the metal plaque edge and the cornea.

Results  Minimal ocular discomfort was noted during plaque radiation therapy. On a scale of 1 (none) to 10 (severe), all 6 patients reported pain levels of 1. As a tissue equivalent and because the mean thickness was only 0.1 mm, amniotic membranes had no significant effect on radiation dose calculations. No adverse effects, infections, or abrasions were noted.

Conclusion  The amniotic membrane buffer technique improves patient comfort and protects the cornea during ophthalmic plaque radiation therapy.

Author Affiliation: The New York Eye Cancer Center, The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and the New York University School of Medicine, New York.

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