Amniotic Membranes

How Do Amniotic Membranes Work?

Amniotic membranes are tissue rich in stem cells that function as a short-term corneal graft.  It is applied in-office by Dr. Boparai, and is a quick and simple procedure. The membrane is secured in a flexible round ring, which is inserted underneath the upper and lower eyelids so that the membrane is completely covering the front of the eye.  The eyelids are usually secured shut for several days with surgical tape or gauze to keep the membrane safeguarded. Over the matter of a few days, the amniotic membrane is slowly absorbed by the corneal tissue, and the regenerative stem cells begin to repair the damage ocular surface.  The membrane is completely absorbed or dissolved within 7-10 days, and the plastic ring is removed from its position beneath the eyelids. Throughout the absorption process, the eye doctor may request to evaluate the membrane a few times to ensure it is properly placed, and will likely want to evaluate the corneal health regularly in the weeks or months following the membrane application.  After the amniotic membrane has been applied and dissolved, the therapeutic benefits will last for an extended time. The stem cells from the membrane work long after the application process and provide a sustainable treatment for ocular surface damage.

The in-office procedure of applying an amniotic membrane is pain-free and only takes a matter of minutes.  It requires a numbing drop to insert the flexible ring under the eyelids, but after insertion there is little to no discomfort, only slight awareness.  It is a safe treatment option with limited to no lasting side effects.

Alright, let's simplify this:

Okay, imagine there's a special part of a baby's body that helps keep it safe and healthy while it's growing inside its mommy's tummy. It's called the amniotic membrane, or AM for short. After the baby is born, this special membrane isn't needed anymore, so doctors can use it to help people with “boo-boos” on their eyes.

The amniotic membrane has three layers, like a yummy sandwich! There's the top layer (epithelium), the middle layer (basement membrane), and the bottom layer (stroma). Each layer does something special to help make the “boo-boos” better.

When someone has a “boo-boo” on their eye, Dr. Boparai can put a piece of the amniotic membrane on it. It's like a magical band-aid! The amniotic membrane protects the “boo-boo” and helps it heal faster.

There are two kinds of amniotic membrane that doctors can use: frozen and dried. Frozen amniotic membrane is kept really cold and is like a special ice pack for the eye. Dried amniotic membrane is kept at room temperature and needs some water to work its magic.

So, when someone has a “boo-boo” on their eye, Dr. Boparai can use a special piece of the amniotic membrane to help make it all better, just like how a band-aid helps a scraped knee feel better!