Healing with Care: The Benefits of Amniotic Membranes

Healing with Care: The Benefits of Amniotic Membranes

At Express Vision, we’re always looking for ways to bring the most effective and comfortable treatment options to our patients — especially when it comes to healing the delicate surface of the cornea. One innovative tool we use is the amniotic membrane, a biologically active tissue that encourages the eye to heal faster, with less pain and inflammation.

This treatment is especially helpful for patients dealing with ocular surface diseases, such as dry eye, non-healing corneal wounds, and infections. Whether you’ve been living with discomfort for months or you’ve recently suffered an injury, amniotic membranes offer a natural and safe way to promote healing.
 

What Are Amniotic Membranes?

Amniotic membranes are biologic tissues naturally rich in healing properties. In eye care, they’re used as a therapeutic layer placed on the surface of the eye to help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and protect delicate tissue.

These membranes are safely and ethically donated, then carefully processed and sterilized for medical use under FDA guidelines. Because they’re packed with natural growth factors and anti-inflammatory proteins, they serve as a kind of “biologic bandage,” offering both protection and regeneration for damaged or irritated eyes.
 

Why Are Amniotic Membranes So Effective?

Amniotic membranes are rich in growth factors, anti-inflammatory proteins, and natural healing agents. This makes them incredibly effective at reducing inflammation, encouraging tissue repair, and limiting scar formation — all of which are vital for healthy eyes and clear vision.

They are also non-immunogenic, which means your body won’t reject them, and they’re safe even for patients with sensitive or compromised immune systems.
 

Conditions Amniotic Membranes Can Help Treat

At Express Vision, we use amniotic membranes to treat a variety of surface eye conditions, particularly when traditional treatments like artificial tears or prescription drops haven’t brought sufficient relief. Common uses include:

1. Corneal Ulcers and Erosions

When a corneal wound won’t heal properly, it can increase the risk of infection and permanent vision loss. Amniotic membranes act like a natural bandage, protecting the cornea while encouraging regeneration of healthy tissue.

2. Chemical or Thermal Burns

In cases of accidental exposure to chemicals or extreme heat, the surface of the eye can be severely damaged. Amniotic membranes reduce inflammation and help prevent scarring as the tissue heals.

3. Herpes Simplex or Shingles of the Eye

Eye infections caused by herpes viruses can result in long-term corneal damage. Amniotic membranes can help minimize inflammation and reduce the risk of scarring from these infections.

4. Autoimmune Eye Conditions

For diseases like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or ocular cicatricial pemphigoid that cause inflammation and damage to the eye surface, amniotic membranes offer a gentle, effective way to manage flare-ups and preserve vision.

5. Post-Surgical Recovery

After certain eye surgeries, amniotic membranes can be used to reduce discomfort, promote healing, and decrease the likelihood of scarring or infection.

What to Expect During the Procedure

If we recommend an in-office amniotic membrane treatment, the process is straightforward:
 

• We’ll apply numbing drops to keep your eye comfortable.
• A soft, ring-like device (such as Prokera®) that holds the membrane is placed over your eye, similar to a large contact lens.
• You’ll wear it for several days while the membrane works to heal the damaged tissue.
• During this time, your vision may be a little blurry, but many patients notice reduced pain and irritation within the first few days.
   

At a follow-up appointment, we’ll remove the device and evaluate your healing progress.
 

Let Your Eyes Heal the Natural Way

If you’ve been struggling with persistent eye pain, corneal damage, or complications from dry eye or infection, amniotic membrane therapy might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

This advanced yet natural treatment can provide real, lasting relief when other options haven’t worked.

Contact Express Vision today to learn more or schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you see — and feel — your best.