AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE ALLOGRAFT
The newest treatment for ocular surface disease is the use of an Amniotic Membrane Allograft. Dr. Massengale is the most experienced provider in the state in the treatment of ocular surface disease using this new therapeutic treatment.
VISIDISC & PROKERA
VISIDISC® AND PROKERA® are the two types of amniotic membranes our office uses for unyielding ocular surface disease. They are devices used by eye doctors around the world for anti-inflammation, anti-scarring, and the promotion of healing damaged eye surfaces. Prokera is the only FDA-cleared cryopreserved amniotic membrane, and Visidisc is our preferred dehydrated amniotic membrane. They both have their specific advantages, but both support the corneal-healing process without harmful side effects. Each are made from amniotic tissue which has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring properties. They provide quick symptom relief and reduce inflammation associated with ocular surface disease. It helps restore your cornea and return your eye to a normal, healthy state.
What is amniotic membrane tissue?
An amniotic membrane is part of the placenta and is the tissue closest to the developing fetus throughout development in the womb. Amniotic membrane protects the fetus from harm and has natural biologic actions that help the tissue development. The tissue has biological properties that aid in tissue repair. The amniotic membrane tissues have natural therapeutic actions that help damaged eye surfaces heal. Eyes treated with this technique generally improve significantly and have less scarring and inflammation. The amniotic membrane in very thin, typically less than 50 microns, and generally comfortable.
Amniotic membranes are harvested from normal births, must be in immaculate condition and taken without complications. They are never taken from aborted fetuses. The process of harvesting and processing these tissues is tightly controlled under heavy restrictions.
What do VISIDISC & PROKERA treat?
These medical devices are used by eye doctors to treat ocular surface diseases such as keratitis, corneal scars, chemical burns, corneal defects, partial limbal stem cell deficiency, Simplex keratitis and many other ocular surface diseases. They are provided by a tissue bank regulated by the FDA. The tissue has passed multiple severe quality control tests before being provided to your doctor. Ask your doctor if you are concerned about the risks involved with using human tissue.
Corneal Ulcers
Pre-Cataract Optimization
Chemical burns
Are Amniotic membranes safe?
Visidisc and Prokera are both safe treatments provided by an FDA regulated tissue bank. The tissue is donated from healthy mothers who have had an uncomplicated C-section. The donor and tissue have passed numerous quality control tests including social habits, physical and medical screening before it is provided to your doctor.
What should you expect?
PROKERA is similar to a large contact lens, and Visidisc is thin enough to be placed underneath a small contact lens. You may experience awareness of either, but they are not normally painful. For optimal healing, it is important that you complete the treatment period of 4-6 days.
Special instructions for amniotic membrane use:
Avoid rubbing your eyes, forceful blinking, or moving the membrane with your fingers
Do not remove the membrane without consulting your eye doctor first
Do not swim or soak your eye with water
Shower only when the eye is tightly closed
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery or perform functions that require unobstructed vision or good depth perception
Use eye drops and other medications as prescribed by your eye doctor
Contact your eye doctor right away if you are uncomfortable or have any other problems with either device, such as swelling, redness, or discharge.