Before it became a rising star in ophthalmology, the amniotic membrane—a thin, clear biological layer encasing the unborn child—was quietly performing miracles in the womb. Designed by nature to protect and nourish life, this humble tissue would one day find new purpose outside the body, becoming a remarkable therapeutic tool in modern medicine.
Initially introduced in the early 1900s for skin grafting, amniotic membrane (AM) therapy remained under the radar for decades. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that researchers began to understand its unique biological potential in ocular healing. A pivotal moment arrived in the 1990s when scientists discovered that AM was not only safe to use—it was biologically active. Packed with regenerative proteins, anti-inflammatory molecules, and tissue-repairing signals, the amniotic membrane entered the spotlight.
Today, AM is more than a novelty—it’s a trusted therapy for a range of eye conditions, especially dry eye disease, neurotrophic keratitis, persistent epithelial defects, and more. Let’s explore how a tissue born from life’s beginning has become a cornerstone in healing the ocular surface.
What Is an Amniotic Membrane?
The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta, consisting of a basement membrane and an avascular stromal matrix. This thin, transparent sheet is biologically rich in:
- Growth factors such as EGF, FGF, and TGF-β
- Anti-inflammatory cytokines
- Anti-scarring (anti-fibrotic) proteins
- Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors
In short, it’s a natural cocktail designed to foster regeneration, reduce inflammation, and modulate healing—all without triggering an immune response. After ethically sourced donation and careful screening, the tissue is processed (usually via cryopreservation or dehydration) to retain its healing properties while ensuring safety.
The Amniotic Membrane’s Journey into Eye Care
How did a substance originally associated with childbirth become a cornerstone in ophthalmic care?
The story began when eye surgeons, in search of better outcomes for patients with corneal ulcers and persistent wounds, explored the idea of using AM as a biological bandage. A landmark study by Tseng et al. in 1995 showed that AM could not only protect the ocular surface but actually promote healing and reduce scarring. From that point forward, the membrane gained momentum.
Today, AM is available in multiple formats:
- Sutured grafts for surgical settings
- Sutureless devices such as Prokera®, inserted like a contact lens
- Dehydrated AM sheets used in-office for various applications
The flexibility in format allows both ophthalmologists and optometrists to incorporate AM therapy into everyday practice—bringing advanced care to a broader range of patients.
What Makes the Amniotic Membrane So Special?
Think of it as Nature’s Bandage. The therapeutic properties of AM make it uniquely suited to help where other treatments fail. Its core benefits include:
- Accelerated epithelial healing
- Suppression of inflammation
- Inhibition of fibrosis and scarring
- Reduction in ocular pain
- Support for corneal nerve regeneration
In essence, it not only protects the eye—it actively heals it.
Spotlight on Dry Eye Disease: AM’s Most Common Use
Dry eye disease (DED) is far more than a nuisance. For many, it’s a chronic, life-altering condition marked by:
- Persistent discomfort
- Gritty or burning sensation
- Visual fluctuations
- Corneal surface damage
While mild cases often respond to lubricants or prescription drops, moderate to severe DED often remains refractory. That’s where AM steps in as a regenerative solution.
How the Amniotic Membrane Helps:
- Reduces inflammation: It downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, allowing the ocular surface to reset.
- Heals the epithelium: Growth factors encourage cell migration and repair.
- Stabilizes the tear film: By restoring goblet cells and epithelial integrity.
- Eases discomfort: Especially in patients with corneal nerve sensitivity.
Clinical research confirms that even one 5–7 day application of a cryopreserved AM (such as Prokera®) leads to significant symptom relief and objective improvements in corneal staining and tear quality.
At See More Eye Care, we have seen numerous patients with long-standing DED—unresponsive to punctal plugs, immunomodulators, or even intense pulsed light (IPL)—achieve lasting relief after AM treatment.
Beyond Dry Eye: Other Ocular Indications
The versatility of AM extends well beyond dry eye. Consider these powerful applications:
1. Neurotrophic Keratitis (NK)
When corneal nerves are compromised (due to diabetes, HSV, or surgery), healing slows dramatically. AM provides both a physical scaffold and biochemical signals that promote nerve regeneration and epithelial repair.
2. Persistent Epithelial Defects (PEDs)
These non-healing abrasions can linger for weeks. AM therapy fosters a stable healing environment, reducing the risk of scarring and infection.
3. Ocular Burns (Chemical or Thermal)
AM mitigates inflammation, preserves tissue structure, and reduces the likelihood of symblepharon and other post-injury complications.
4. Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD)
By creating a supportive niche, AM helps maintain or restore limbal stem cell health. In advanced cases, it’s often used adjunctively with stem cell grafts.
5. Post-Surgical Recovery
After procedures like pterygium excision or complicated refractive surgeries, AM can reduce inflammation and scarring, accelerating recovery.
Patient Experience: What to Expect
For many patients, the idea of applying a membrane from the placenta to their eye may seem odd—at first. But the experience is generally simple and well-tolerated.
Take the Prokera® device as an example:
- Inserted in-office, similar to a contact lens
- Worn for 3–7 days, depending on condition severity
- May cause mild foreign body sensation initially
- Removed without discomfort
What follows is often a dramatic improvement in comfort, vision, and corneal health.
The Future of Regenerative Eye Care
Research into AM therapy continues to evolve, with exciting developments on the horizon:
- Amniotic extract eye drops for mild surface disease
- Engineered AMs combined with stem cells or medications
- Customizable AM applications using 3D-printed support devices
As optometrists and ophthalmologists embrace regenerative technologies, the amniotic membrane stands at the forefront—a bridge between nature and innovation.
Final Thoughts: Healing, Naturally
In an era where medicine is increasingly high-tech, it’s striking to discover that some of the most powerful healing tools are also the most natural. The amniotic membrane—born from the process of creating life—offers patients a second chance at comfort, clarity, and healing.
At See More Eye Care, we’re proud to offer this advanced therapy as part of our commitment to excellence in ocular surface health. Whether you’re a clinician seeking new treatment options or a patient looking for relief, AM therapy may just be the breakthrough you need.
Because when you See More, you truly can Be More.
To schedule a consultation or learn more, visit seemoreod.com or call our Raleigh clinic.