Floppy Eyelid Syndrome
Amniotic Membrane
For patients living with the persistent discomfort of moderate to severe dry eye disease, traditional therapies like artificial tears and prescription eye drops may not provide adequate relief. When the ocular surface is compromised, your eye care professional may recommend more advanced treatments to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Among these innovative options are therapies that utilize the regenerative properties of amniotic tissue.
Amniotic membrane is a natural biological material derived from the innermost layer of the placenta, which nourishes and protects a developing baby. This remarkable tissue is known for its rich healing properties, including a potent combination of growth factors, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and anti-scarring properties.
Role of Amniotic Membrane
Reduce Inflammation: It helps to calm the irritated ocular surface, a key factor in chronic dry eye and other ocular surface diseases.
Promote Healing: The growth factors and other biomolecules stimulate the regeneration of healthy corneal and conjunctival cells, aiding in the repair of damaged tissue.
Minimize Scarring: It helps to prevent the formation of scar tissue, which can further exacerbate eye symptoms and impair vision.
Provide a Protective Barrier: It can act as a temporary protective layer over the eye, shielding it from further irritation and allowing the underlying tissue to heal.
Types of Amniotic Membrane Treatments
Amniotic membrane treatments are available in various forms, designed to suit different patient needs and conditions. The primary forms include solid devices (like contact lenses) and liquid solutions.
Liquid Amniotic Membrane Solutions (e.g., Biotissue Neox Flo)
What it is: these treatments come as a sterile liquid solution or a powder that is mixed with saline to create a suspension of microscopic amniotic tissue particles.
How it works: This liquid solution is then applied directly to the surface of the eye by your eye doctor using a sterile dropper. The microscopic particles of amniotic tissue adhere to the damaged areas of the cornea and conjunctiva, delivering the same powerful healing and anti-inflammatory properties as the solid membrane forms.
The Patient Experience: The application of liquid amniotic membrane is a quick, in-office procedure. As it is a liquid, patients generally do not experience the same level of foreign body sensation that can be associated with solid devices. The therapeutic effects are delivered as the particles remain on the ocular surface, promoting healing over time. Your vision may be slightly blurry for a short period, which typically clears within minutes.
Solid Amniotic Membrane Devices (e.g., Prokera)
What it is: These devices typically consist of a piece of cryopreserved (frozen to preserve its natural properties) amniotic membrane stretched and held in place by a small, flexible polycarbonate ring. It resembles a large, clear contact lens.
How it works: Your eye doctor will insert the device onto your eye in the office, much like placing a contact lens. Once in place, the ring rests on the white of the eye (the sclera), and the amniotic membrane continuously bathes the cornea in its healing and anti-inflammatory agents. It also acts as a physical barrier, or a "biologic corneal bandage," protecting the corneal surface from the friction of blinking and further irritation.
The Patient Experience: The device is typically left in the eye for several days, during which the amniotic membrane gradually dissolves and imparts its therapeutic benefits. Patients often experience significant relief from symptoms like pain, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. However, because it is a solid ring, some patients may experience initial discomfort or a foreign body sensation. Your vision may also be blurry while the device is in place.
Who May Benefit from Amniotic Membrane Treatments?
Amniotic membrane treatments are often considered for patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease, especially those who haven't found sufficient relief from conventional treatments like artificial tears or prescription eye drops. They can be particularly beneficial for:
Patients with Chronic Dry Eye: Individuals experiencing persistent symptoms such as burning, stinging, gritty sensation, redness, and blurred vision, especially when inflammation is a significant component.
Those with Ocular Surface Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties are highly effective in calming irritated ocular surfaces.
Post-Surgical Dry Eye: Patients who develop severe dry eye symptoms after eye surgery, such as LASIK or cataract surgery.
Individuals with Corneal Erosions or Defects: Amniotic membrane can significantly aid in the healing of minor corneal surface irregularities or persistent epithelial defects.
Severe Cases: Often reserved for severe or recalcitrant dry eye cases that haven't responded to other treatments, especially those with significant corneal damage.
Your ophthalmologist will determine if an amniotic membrane treatment is a suitable option for your specific condition after a comprehensive eye examination.
How is amniotic membrane tissue obtained?
The amniotic tissue used in these treatments is donated by consenting mothers after a scheduled Cesarean section and is carefully screened and processed to ensure safety and efficacy.
An eye exam is the best way to screen for, and evaluate any eye conditions affecting your health, comfort, and quality of vision.