Amniotic Membrane / Prokera
Also known as Prokera, Amniotic Membrane Contact Lens, Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane, Ocular Surface Bandage, Biologic Corneal Bandage
Bottom Line
Amniotic membrane is a biologic bandage placed on the eye surface. It can help severe dry eye, corneal defects, burns, and other surface injuries heal.
Amniotic membrane is thin tissue from the innermost layer of the placenta. In eye care, it can be processed and placed on the eye surface as a protective biologic bandage 1.
Prokera is one self-retained form. The membrane sits inside a clear ring, like a large contact lens, and rests on the eye while the surface heals 2.
Doctors may use amniotic membrane for several surface problems. These include severe dry eye, surface wounds that will not heal, chemical injury, corneal inflammation, and pain from an unhealthy eye surface 3.
How It Works
Amniotic membrane acts like a temporary biologic bandage. It protects the cornea and may calm inflammation while surface cells heal 1.
Self-retained devices hold the membrane on the eye without stitches. Some other forms are placed flat during surgery.
Comfort and Risks
Vision is usually blurry while the membrane is on the eye. The device can feel like a large contact lens or eyelid spacer.
Possible issues include discomfort, ring movement, infection, allergy, or the need to remove it early. Call for severe pain, discharge, sudden vision drop, or swelling.
Studies describe use for severe dry eye and immune-related surface disease, but the right choice depends on the diagnosis 4.
Cost and Insurance
Coverage depends on the diagnosis, product, office setting, and plan rules. Insurers may cover treatment for a documented corneal defect, burn, or severe surface disease.
Ask the clinic for the device code, placement fee, removal visit cost, and expected out-of-pocket amount. Also ask what standard treatments must be tried first.
Common Questions About Amniotic Membrane
Next Steps
- 1Ask what surface finding makes amniotic membrane appropriate for you.
- 2Arrange a ride because vision may be blurry after placement.
- 3Use drops and shields exactly as instructed.
- 4Return for removal or recheck when your doctor schedules it.
- 5Call urgently for severe pain, discharge, swelling, or sudden vision loss.
Find specialists for Amniotic Membrane / Prokera
Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Amniotic Membrane / Prokera.
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