Amniotic Membrane Technology and Quality Healing

published on April 01, 2015 by Robert Mack, MD 

We all know treating ocular surface inflammation is crucial to promoting healing of the ocular surface. If left uncontrolled, inflammation can lead to chronic pain and discomfort, delayed healing, and in some cases, more tissue damage and possibly vision threatening complications such as scarring. Although the use of amniotic membrane to treat ocular surface diseases and inflammation has increased, I am often baffled as to why this dramatic technology isn’t more widely used. Its benefits are so clear and there are hundreds of scientific papers to support its use.

According to a study published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, “Transplantation of Amniotic Membrane in Murine Herpes Stromal Keratitis Modulates Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Cornea”, natural inhibitors of various MMPs have been found in amniotic membrane. Cryopreserved amniotic membrane maintains critical components needed for regenerative healing and therapeutic actions including anti-inflammatory, promoting limbal stem cell expansion, promoting cellular migration, expediting recovery and suppressing pain.

In my practice, I use biologic corneal bandage devices with cryopreserved amniotic membrane tissue to successfully treat a number of ocular surface diseases including dry eye, recurrent corneal erosions, persistent epithelial defects, and other ocular surface diseases. My patients benefit and some have become so delighted they can’t wait for their next treatment. Here are a few reasons why I believe this treatment is so successful and well received by patients:

1. Expedites healing – Cryopreserved amniotic tissue is proven to have natural therapeutic actions that help damaged eye surfaces heal faster and more effectively; it reduces inflammation and promotes regenerative healing, minimizes corneal scarring and pain, and inhibits the angiogenic process.
2. Improved clinical outcomes – The use of this technology has been proven to heal the eye faster and improve vision. It also helps to alleviate pain and provide overall relief of symptoms faster. The treatment is also comfortable for patients and most often lessens the need for using eye drops in cases of dry eye.
3. Easy to use, no harmful side effects – The technology is easy to use, safe and effective, and can be inserted in my office, and doesn’t have the harmful side effects of traditional treatments such as prednisolones, which in some cases can even worsen the condition.
4. Improves quality of life – Many of my patients have said this treatment helps improve daily tasks such as reading and using a computer longer, and driving more comfortably. Patients also say their relief tends to last longer than traditional treatments.

Cryopreserved amniotic membrane provides quality healing and is clinically proven to improve visual acuity, expedite healing and avoid haze or scarring. The benefits are clear including improved clinical outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.

To learn more about Dr. Robert Mack, click here.