The membrane is then gently separated from the nitrocellulose paper with blunt forceps. AMT is not performed in a universal manner. There have been contradictory reports concerning the right way to place the amnion on the ocular surface. The stromal side of the membrane is sticky, similar to vitreous and the epithelial basement membrane side is shiny and non-sticky. In conjunctival surgery the amnion is used as a substrate to cover the defect after removal of the affected tissue.
Amniotic membrane becomes indistinguishable from conjunctival tissue once covered by the epithelium.
A large therapeutic contact lens is routinely used, at the end of the operation, to protect and keep the amniotic membrane in place and also for comfort. Occasionally, a tarsorrhaphy may also offer additional protection. The sutures and contact lens are often removed after 2 to 4 weeks. Recommended post-operative topical treatment consists of preservative free antibiotic and corticosteroid drops. In addition to the above surgical techniques, there has been an increasing interest in the experimental transplantation of tissue-cultured limbal stem cells and amniotic membrane onto the cornea for treatment of ocular surface pathologies.