amniotic membrane transplantation for congenital distichiasis

purpose: to evaluate the use of amniotic membrane transplantation (amt) for management of congenital distichiasis. methods: this interventional case series was performed on 16 eyelids of 5 patients with congenital distichiasis treated with posterior lamella resection and amt. results: all patients were men aged 2 to 42 years. mean follow up was 17 months (6-29 months). post-operative symptoms of dry eye were controlled by medical treatment in all patients.  misdirected eyelashes recurred in 3 eyelids (18.8%) outside the amt area and in 2 eyelids within the amt area which were treated by gentle laser epilation. conclusion: amt is a useful option in management of distichiasis with a low rate of complications and acceptable eyelid contour.