Amniotic Membrane Therapy

Dry Eye Treatment

What is Amniotic Membrane Therapy? 

Amniotic membrane grafts (AMGs) offer more than simple protection; they actively transform the healing process within the eye. In severe dry eye, there's damage and chronic inflammation that normal treatments can't always address. 

The amniotic membrane provides that extra boost your eye might need to repair itself, potentially leading to long-lasting relief and better vision.

What Does the Amniotic Membrane Do?

The amniotic membrane comes from the placenta⁠—the organ that nourishes a baby in the womb. This special tissue has unique healing properties:

• Protective barrier. The graft is placed over your eye's surface like a temporary bandage, protecting it while it heals.
• Anti-inflammation and scarring. The membrane helps calm down the chronic inflammation that drives severe dry eye
• Growth factors. The amniotic membrane can help healthy cells grow and repair damage.

How Do Amniotic Membrane Grafts Work?

The idea of using a part of the placenta to heal your eyes might sound unusual, but it's rooted in some amazing science Amniotic membranes have a special power to jump-start healing, which can be life-changing for severely dry eyes.

When it comes to healing your cornea, the amniotic membrane works in several ways:

1. The membrane provides a smooth surface for new, healthy cells to travel across as they repair your eye's surface
2. By calming down chronic inflammation, the membrane gives your eyes a chance to finally heal
3. The graft shields the delicate surface of your eye, giving those new cells time to do their thing.

When you use amniotic membrane grafts, your eye surface can finally repair itself. This means improved comfort and vision. 

While not always a cure-all, amniotic grafts can provide relief for many months. The graft protects those sensitive nerves in your eye, significantly reducing that scratchy, gritty feeling.

When will I see a result immediately?

It is expected that you will see a benefit within ~14-days of treatment with the effects improving over time.

What About Risks?

Like any medical procedure, there are somethings to consider. For example, you might feel the graft after it's placed, but this usually goes away.

The amniotic membrane is cleaned in a solution of antibiotics and antimycotics during the preparation process. If you have any known allergies, you should inform your clinician before treatment.
Contact lens wear can, rarely, cause complications when worn overnight, as they are in this procedure. If your eye becomes more painful or your vision is further reduced, contact the clinical staff in control of your care.

What does research say?

Studies in scientific journals show that amniotic membrane grafts have a promising level of success in helping people with severe dry eye. While it's not a guaranteed fix for everyone, many people see a real difference in their symptoms and lives.

Several studies have shown a big improvement in symptoms like pain, burning, and scratchiness after using amniotic membrane grafts. Some cases showed that the improvement in comfort can last for months or even years after using the graft.

AMGs as Part of a Complete Plan

Amniotic membrane grafts are powerful on their own, but they often work even better when combined with other things as part of your overall dry eye treatment plan.