Amniotic Membrane Treatment
Healing the Surface of the Eye with Regenerative Therapy
For patients with severe dry eye, corneal inflammation, or ocular surface damage, advanced regenerative treatments such as amniotic membrane therapy can help promote healing and restore the health of the eye.
At Sitterle Vision Source & Dry Eye Center in San Antonio, we offer treatments using cryopreserved amniotic membranes, including options such as Prokera and CAM (cryopreserved amniotic membrane).
These therapies help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and protect the surface of the eye in patients with significant ocular surface disease.
What Is Amniotic Membrane Therapy?
Amniotic membrane therapy uses biologic tissue derived from the innermost layer of the placenta to promote healing on the surface of the eye.
This tissue contains natural substances that help:
- reduce inflammation
- promote tissue regeneration
- support corneal healing
- protect the ocular surface
Because of these properties, amniotic membrane therapy has become an important treatment option for patients with moderate to severe ocular surface disease.
What Is Prokera?
Prokera is a medical device that places a cryopreserved amniotic membrane within a specialized ring that resembles a contact lens.
The membrane rests on the surface of the eye and provides therapeutic benefits while the eye heals.
During treatment:
- the amniotic membrane protects the cornea
- inflammatory signals are reduced
- healing of the ocular surface is stimulated
The device typically remains in place for several days while the eye heals.
What Is CAM (Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane)?
Cryopreserved amniotic membrane (CAM) treatments involve placing a thin biologic membrane directly on the surface of the eye.
These membranes provide many of the same benefits as Prokera, including:
- reducing inflammation
- promoting epithelial healing
- protecting damaged corneal tissue
CAM therapies are often used for patients with significant ocular surface damage or persistent dry eye symptoms.
Conditions Treated with Amniotic Membrane Therapy
Amniotic membrane treatments may be recommended for patients with:
- severe dry eye disease
- persistent corneal inflammation
- neurotrophic keratitis
- corneal epithelial defects
- corneal ulcers
- chemical or environmental eye injuries
These treatments help restore the health of the ocular surface when standard dry eye treatments are not sufficient.
How Amniotic Membrane Therapy Helps Dry Eye
Dry eye disease often causes chronic inflammation of the cornea and ocular surface.
Over time, this inflammation can damage the surface cells of the eye and worsen symptoms such as:
- burning
- irritation
- redness
- blurred vision
- light sensitivity
Amniotic membrane therapy works by:
- reducing inflammatory signals
- protecting the ocular surface
- promoting healing of damaged tissue
This allows the eye to recover and often leads to significant improvement in symptoms.
FAQ About Amniotic Membrane Therapy
What does Prokera treat?
Prokera helps treat ocular surface inflammation, severe dry eye disease, and corneal healing conditions.
Is amniotic membrane therapy painful?
Most patients tolerate the treatment well. Mild irritation or blurred vision may occur while the device is in place.
How long does Prokera stay in the eye?
The device typically remains in place for several days while the eye heals.
Does amniotic membrane therapy cure dry eye?
It does not cure dry eye but can significantly improve inflammation and promote healing of the ocular surface.
Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation
If you suffer from severe dry eye symptoms or persistent ocular surface irritation, advanced therapies such as amniotic membrane treatment may help restore the health of your eyes.