At Dry Eye Wales, we are proud to offer innovative treatments for a variety of eye conditions, including the use of amniotic membranes for corneal healing in certain eye conditions. This innovative approach is particularly effective for patients suffering from corneal injuries, ulcers, or chronic conditions such as dry eye, that impair the cornea’s ability to heal.
What Is Amniotic Membrane Treatment?
Amniotic membrane treatment involves using a specially prepared membrane (amnion) derived from the inner most layer of the human placental sac (obtained from consenting c-section mothers). When placed on the cornea, the amnion can be a powerful tool due to it being rich in growth factors, anti-inflammatory properties, and essential nutrients.
How Does the Amniotic Membrane Work?
When the amniotic membrane is applied to the surface of the eye (held in place with a specially designed contact lens), it provides several crucial functions:
- Enhanced Healing: The growth factors and cytokines present in the amniotic membrane promote cell regeneration and tissue repair. This accelerates the healing process of the corneal epithelium, making it particularly beneficial for patients with recurrent corneal erosions or corneal ulcers.
- Reduced Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of the amniotic membrane help to minimise pain and discomfort, providing relief to patients with inflamed corneas.
- Protection: The membrane acts as a shield, protecting the cornea from environmental irritants, pathogens, and mechanical damage, allowing it to heal without further trauma.
- Regeneration of corneal nerves: In rare circumstances eye discomfort can be caused from nerve damage where other dry eye treatments are not effective. In these cases (neurotrophic keratitis) amniotic membranes have been shown in studies to be effective.
What to Expect During Treatment:
The amniotic membrane contact lens is typically worn for a week, providing continuous support to the cornea during the healing process. During your appointment at Dry Eye Wales, our experienced optometrists will assess your condition and determine if this treatment is suitable for you.
- Application: The amniotic membrane is placed on the eye using a custom-designed contact lens, ensuring it adheres securely while allowing for comfort and clear vision.
- Monitoring: On Day 3 you will receive a phone call to check your comfort. Ideally the cornea experiences 7 days of amnion contact, however if discomfort occurs a minimum of 3 days is required for effective treatment.
- Removal: After a week, the lens is gently removed in practice, and we will evaluate the cornea’s healing progress. Additional treatments may be recommended based on your specific needs.
Who Can Benefit from Amniotic Membrane Treatment?
This innovative treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing:
- Dry Eye Conditions: A wide arrange of dry eye conditions can be treated with amniotic membranes due to its healing properties.
- Corneal Ulcers: Helps accelerate healing and reduce complications.
- Persistent Epithelial Defects: Provides a protective environment that promotes recovery.
- Chemical Burns or Trauma: Offers support for healing in cases of injury or damage to the cornea.
Why Choose Dry Eye Wales?
At Dry Eye Wales, our commitment to providing cutting-edge treatments ensures that our patients receive the best care possible. The amniotic membrane offering is just one of the many advanced options we offer to enhance eye health and comfort.