Prokera is an innovative amniotic membrane treatment designed to heal various stubborn eye conditions. It acts as a therapeutic bandage, promoting natural healing and significantly improving comfort for patients.
Prokera is a unique, FDA-cleared biologic device that uses a piece of donated human amniotic membrane to help heal and protect the surface of your eye. This natural, therapeutic bandage can soothe pain, accelerate repair, reduce scarring, and preserve your overall eye health, especially when other treatments have not provided enough relief.
Prokera is a sterile, ready-to-use medical device that places a piece of amniotic membrane over your eye to promote natural healing. It provides both physical protection and biological healing, acting as a natural bandage that is easily inserted and removed in your doctor's office.
Amniotic membrane is the inner layer of the placenta, which is donated with consent by mothers after healthy, planned caesarean deliveries. This special tissue has been recognized in medicine for over 100 years for its powerful healing properties. It naturally contains growth factors, proteins, and other substances that calm inflammation, inhibit scarring, and support healthy cell regeneration on the eye’s surface.
The donated amniotic membrane is carefully screened for infectious diseases, sterilized, and cryopreserved to maintain its biological quality. It is then mounted on a small, clear dual-ring system that fits comfortably on your eye. This process preserves all the natural healing benefits while ensuring the device is sterile, safe, and convenient for your eye doctor to apply during a simple office visit.
Unlike artificial bandages or standard eye drops that only provide temporary relief, Prokera uses natural human tissue that works with your body's own healing process. Once placed on your eye, the amniotic membrane releases natural healing factors that reduce pain and swelling while encouraging new, healthy tissue to grow. Acting like a living tissue graft, it helps restore the eye’s natural surface and breaks the cycle of inflammation, making it a much stronger option for stubborn eye problems.
Prokera can be effective for a broad spectrum of eye surface diseases and injuries, particularly those that are slow to heal or resistant to conventional therapies. It is often recommended for conditions marked by persistent pain, inflammation, or defects on the eye's surface.
For patients with moderate to severe dry eye that doesn't respond to artificial tears or prescription drops, Prokera can help restore the health of the ocular surface. The amniotic membrane reduces inflammation and supports the regeneration of healthy corneal and conjunctival cells, improving both comfort and vision quality.
These are painful open sores or scratches on the cornea that can result from infections, injuries, or contact lens-related problems. Prokera protects the exposed tissue from further damage and accelerates healing, helping prevent complications like corneal thinning or scarring that can threaten vision.
This painful condition occurs when the cornea's outer layer repeatedly tears away, often upon waking. Prokera provides a smooth, supportive surface that allows new cells to adhere properly, strengthening the connection between tissue layers and reducing the frequency of episodes.
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, sometimes caused by bacteria, viruses, or contact lens wear. Prokera helps reduce this inflammation and supports tissue repair, often used in conjunction with antimicrobial medications to address the underlying cause and lower the risk of permanent scarring.
When harmful chemicals damage the delicate surface of the eye, Prokera offers an immediate protective barrier. It supplies growth factors and cytokines that help restore normal tissue architecture, potentially avoiding the need for more aggressive surgical intervention.
Severe inflammatory conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or ocular graft-versus-host disease can lead to chronic dry eye, scarring, and even blindness. Prokera is often used to protect the ocular surface, calm inflammation, and support healing as part of a broader treatment plan.
The Prokera procedure is simple, minimally invasive, and performed right in your eye doctor’s office, usually taking just a few minutes. Most patients experience immediate relief from pain and irritation after placement.
Before the procedure, your eye doctor will apply numbing drops to ensure you are comfortable. They will carefully examine your eye to confirm that Prokera is the right choice for you. You will be advised to stop wearing contact lenses for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
The sterile Prokera device is gently positioned on your eye, much like a large contact lens. The amniotic membrane rests directly against your cornea, while the flexible ring holds it in place without any stitches. The procedure is painless, and you can typically go home right after with clear instructions for care.
While Prokera is in your eye, you may experience blurry vision, a foreign-body sensation, and mild tearing, which are normal and temporary. The amniotic membrane will gradually dissolve over several days, releasing its healing substances directly onto your eye's surface. Your doctor may also prescribe drops to support healing and prevent infection.
Prokera is typically left in place for 3 to 7 days, depending on your specific condition and how your eye is healing. Removal is a quick and painless process performed during a follow-up office visit. Your doctor will then examine your eye to assess the improvement and plan any further care.
Prokera offers many significant advantages for healing the eye's surface, but like any medical treatment, it’s important to understand both its strengths and limitations. This helps you make an informed decision about your eye health.
One of the biggest benefits is faster healing compared to many other treatments, with significant improvement often seen within days. Prokera naturally reduces pain and inflammation, decreasing the need for steroid eye drops or pain medications. By helping to prevent scarring, it can improve long-term vision quality and provide lasting relief from chronic eye surface problems.
The most common side effects are temporary discomfort, like having something in your eye, and blurry vision while the device is in place. Rare complications can include mild irritation, infection, or an allergic reaction to the ring material. These issues are uncommon and typically resolve quickly after the device is removed.
Prokera is generally recommended for adults with moderate to severe eye surface conditions who have not responded well to other treatments like artificial tears or prescription drops. It is not suitable for everyone, including those with certain allergies or active, untreated infections. A thorough evaluation by your eye doctor is crucial to determine if Prokera is a good choice for you.
For many patients, a single Prokera treatment provides lasting relief from symptoms. By reducing chronic inflammation and scarring, Prokera helps preserve the clarity and function of the cornea. Some chronic or severe conditions may require repeat applications to maintain the best results and ensure long-term stability.
If you are experiencing persistent eye discomfort, pain, or vision changes, treatments like Prokera can make a significant difference in your comfort and long-term eye health. Remember to follow good daily eye care habits, protect your eyes from injury, and keep up with regular exams to catch problems early and explore all available treatment options.
If you’re suffering from persistent eye issues, consider exploring Prokera treatments for effective relief. Contact a top optometrist or ophthalmologist listed with Specialty Vision for personalized care and an evaluation of your condition.
If you’re suffering from persistent eye issues, consider exploring Prokera treatments for effective relief. Contact a top optometrist or ophthalmologist listed with Specialty Vision for personalized care and an evaluation of your condition.
Prokera is an advanced amniotic membrane treatment that helps heal various eye conditions by promoting natural healing and reducing discomfort.
