Amniotic Membranes for Dry Eye and Corneal Scarring

Amniotic membrane disks are a revolutionary new treatment for severe cases of dry eye and corneal scarring.

Call Us

Amniotic Membranes for Dry Eye and Corneal Scarring in PRIMARYCITY

Take the Dry Eye Quiz to find out if you suffer from dry eyes

What are Amniotic Membrane Disks?

Sometimes, the typical treatments for dry eye aren’t effective enough for severe cases. Amniotic membrane disks are a new FDA approved treatment which is effective at treating difficult to treat or severe cases of dry eye.

Amniotic membrane disks are specially made lenses with, in the center, amniotic membranes ethically obtained from stem cell tissues. These provide both a nourishing and protective barrier for better corneal health, and rejuvenating stem cell contributions that can help heal and protect the cornea in the future. It has also been shown to stimulate regeneration of damaged nerve terminals, which in some patients is the cause of their neuropathic corneal pain.

How Do Amniotic Membranes Work?

Amniotic membranes are made of tissue rich in stem cells, and they function as a short-term corneal graft. Effectively, it both protects the vulnerable tissues of the eye while also stimulating its repair through the introduction of beneficial biomolecules directly linked to corneal regeneration.

Amniotic membrane disks are applied in office by a doctor, in a quick and simple procedure. The membrane, secured in a round, flexible ring, is carefully inserted beneath both the upper and lower eyelids so the membrane completely covers the front surface of the eye. The process is quick, only taking a few minutes, and with the aid of a numbing drop, involves minimal discomfort.

Following their insertion, the eyelids are generally kept shut, either with surgical tape or gauze, to protect the amniotic membrane. Over the next several days, the membrane is absorbed into the corneal tissue, and the regenerative stem cells it contained start to repair the damaged ocular surface.

Once the membrane is completely absorbed or dissolved (within 7-10 days), the plastic ring is removed from where it was placed beneath the eyelids

During this process, the doctor may check the membrane several times to make sure it is in the proper spot, and evaluate the overall cornea health on a regular basis over the weeks or months following the application. The therapeutic effects of this treatment lasts for an extended period of time, providing sustainable treatment for damaged ocular surfaces.

What Conditions Do Amniotic Membranes Treat?

In addition to preventing additional damage to the cornea, amniotic membranes help treat several eye conditions, including:

Dry eye
Autoimmune diseases
Corneal erosion
Damage from contact lens overwear
Thermal or chemical burns to the eyes
Eye infections
Epithelial corneal defects
Corneal ulcers
Keratitis
Neurotrophic keratopathy
Sjogren's Disease
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Amniotic Membrane Disks Compared to Other Treatment Methods for Dry Eye

More common treatments for dry eye, such as eye drops, are less effective in severe cases, and are not able to treat the surface of the eye. Amniotic membrane disks, with their regenerative properties, are capable of healing a damaged cornea in addition to treating dry eye, decreasing discomfort, and improving vision.

One study, the Dry Eye Amniotic Membrane (DREAM) study, found this treatment to be extremely effective on patients for whom other treatment options had not been able to help, within less than a week of starting it.

Common Questions

Do amniotic membranes for dry eyes cost a lot?

The cost of amniotic membranes is high, however in many cases the cost is covered by your medical insurance. In addition the therapeutic effects after treatment may not be permanent and may be dependent on the type of condition being treated. Amniotic membranes are not simple to produce as they come from the innermost layer of fetal membranes—composed of the epithelium, basement membrane and stroma—collected from full-term placental tissue. This tissue is extremely difficult to produce but has been shown to be extremely effective for those suffering from corneal conditions by promoting cellular growth and reducing inflammation. Your medical insurance including medicare generally covers the cost of amniotic membranes when deemed medically necessary, however it is always best to discuss your specific case with our eye doctor to determine if your insurance will cover the procedure.

Do amniotic membranes last? How often will I need to get amniotic membranes?

The goal of amniotic membranes is to enable our eyes to heal naturally after a condition that has caused trauma, inflammation, or scarring on the cornea. In some cases the treatment may not be permanent. During a large study done on the impact of amniotic membranes the following conditions had a 100% success rate: corneal ulcers neurotrophic keratitis; post-keratoplasty, glaucoma or cataract; bullous keratopathy; corneal degeneration; dystrophy; mechanical trauma; reconstruction of the anophthalmic cavity; eyelid reconstruction; and dysfunctional tear syndrome. Amniotic membrane treatment had varying success when analyzed after a 1 year period for the following conditions: mucous membrane pemphigoid, Stevens-Johnson or Lyell’s syndrome, reconstruction of the conjunctiva and fornix, neoplasia of the ocular surface, primary and secondary limbal stem cell deficiency, physical trauma, chemical trauma, pterygium, and recurrent epithelial erosions. As with any advanced treatment it is always recommended to speak with our eye doctors about your particular condition before considering the treatment.

What is the success rate of amniotic membrane graft?

The success rate of an amniotic membrane graft is high, with many patients experiencing significant improvement in their ocular health. The exact rate can vary depending on the severity and type of the condition being treated. For personalized information on success rates, consult with .

What are complications with amniotic membrane?

While amniotic membrane treatment is generally well-tolerated, potential complications can include minor discomfort during the procedure, temporary blurred vision, or a foreign body sensation. However, these side effects are usually transient and resolve as the eye heals.

How long does amniotic membrane stay in eye?

Typically, the amniotic membrane is absorbed into the corneal tissue within 7-10 days following insertion. During this period, the beneficial stem cells within the membrane start to repair the damaged ocular surface. The exact timeline may vary based on individual healing rates.

What are the advantages of amniotic membrane?

Amniotic membranes come with several advantages, including their rich content of growth factors and proteins that promote healing and reduce inflammation. They also provide a protective barrier for the cornea, help to alleviate dry eye symptoms, and can stimulate the regeneration of damaged nerve terminals, potentially relieving neuropathic corneal pain.

What is the role of amniotic membrane for managing dry eye disease?

Amniotic membranes provide a protective and nourishing barrier for the eye, aiding in the treatment of severe dry eye disease. They contain growth factors and anti-inflammatory proteins that help repair the damaged ocular surface and stimulate the production of healthy tear film, alleviating dry eye symptoms. For more information on this, you may contact at 111-222-3333.

Summary

Amniotic membrane treatment is a new, effective method for treating severe cases of dry eye where there is damage to the surface of the eye thanks to its regenerative properties. If you have additional questions about amniotic membranes, or wish to schedule an appointment with you can contact Fargo at 111-222-3333. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over STATE, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from CITY, SECONDARY1, SECONDARY2, and SECONDARY3.

Learn More

1 2 3 … 8 Next »

Testimonials

22222

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Ilan 2

1111111

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Ilan

Blog

23fd6b60 Ad7d 11eb Abba 8f029dbfa5ce Shutterstock 1255404055

Discover effective treatment options for diabetic retinopathy; consult our eye care professionals to protect your vision and overall well-being

June 3, 2023

Treating diabetic retinopathy Treating diabetic retinopathy is a critical aspect of preserving vision and maintaining the overall quality of life for patients suffering from diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina – the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. According to the National […]

Picture Focused Serious Young Caucasian Female Teacher With Textbook Taking Off Glasses Narrowing Eyes Trying See Something Clearly Student Girl Eyewear Posing With Diary

Understanding Foggy vision

May 21, 2023

Is foggy vision troubling you? Let our experienced optometrist restore your sight – book an appointment today and see the difference! The term foggy vision often refers to a visual disturbance characterized by blurred, cloudy, or hazy vision, which can make seeing clearly challenging. As your local optometrist, we recognize the significance of maintaining optimal […]

Vision Therapy for Nystagmus: Improving Visual Function and Quality of Life

May 15, 2023

According to the National Eye Institute, nystagmus affects approximately 0.24% of the general population in the United States. This means a whopping 720,000 individuals in the US face the challenges of nystagmus. How does Nystagmus Impact Vision? Nystagmus(/neuro/uncontrolled-eye-movements-how-nystagmus-can-affect-your-vision-and-how-a-neuro-optometrist-can-help/) is a condition that affects the eyes, causing involuntary and rapid movements that can make it difficult […]

see all blogs