What is it?
Amniotic membranes are a small, thin, almost see-through tissue made from human amniotic membrane that is donated by healthy, consenting mothers giving birth through scheduled C-sections. Donors are rigorously screened for various viral and infectious diseases. The amniotic membrane is obtained and processed according to standards and/or regulations established by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Why is it used?
Doctors have been using amniotic membranes for over 70 years because they help patient’s eyes heal in a simple, natural, and comfortable way. Amniotic membranes are used to help damaged ocular surfaces return to a healthier state. Amniotic membranes provide a protective, healing environment for severe ocular surface conditions such as:
- keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
- severe dry eye disease
- corneal ulcers
- chemical trauma
- bullous keratopathy
- corneal degeneration
- recurrent corneal erosions
- physical trauma
- herpetic eye disease
How Does it Work?
The amniotic membrane supports damaged corneal/conjunctival tissue as it heals, offers protection from further degeneration and breakdown, reduced pain, and promotes tissue growth.
The amniotic membrane is placed on the affected eye in a simple, painless manner and covered by a bandage contact lens to promote healing.
