1. What is Prokera and How Does it Heal the Surface of the Eye?
Prokera is a bandage made of amniotic membrane that rests on the surface of the eye. It stimulates the healing of sick or damaged corneas through natural anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are maintained through a freezing process called cryopreservation. Prokera is thawed out prior to placement onto the eye.
It is shaped similar to a contact lens. The membrane is draped over a plastic ring that sits gently under the eyelids. This prevents the amniotic membrane from falling out of the eye and allows direct contact to the sick portion of the eye.
2. Are There Different Kinds?
Yes. Until recently, there were 3 different types of Prokera:
Prokera
Prokera Slim - Utilizes a thinner, more comfortable plastic ring
Prokera Plus - Double layer membrane
Most recently, another type of Prokera has been added: Prokera Clear. Clear comes with a central opening in the membrane that allows patients to have better vision while the eye is healing. This is great for patients who need to maintain their vision, but cannot be used if the damage or inflammation is located in that central area.
3. How is it Applied and How Long Does It Take?
The procedure is performed in the office by your ophthalmologist or optometrist. It usually takes less than 1 minute to perform. First, the eye is properly anesthetized using topical drops. The Prokera is first inserted under the upper eyelid while the patient looks down. The patient can then look straight or up to allow the lower portion of the ring to fit under the lower eyelid. The ring and membrane are usually removed after 3-5 days. Most of the healing occurs in the first 1-3 days.
4. Can Prokera be Painful?
The patient can feel some initial discomfort as their eye is getting used to the ring. After about 10 minutes, most patients are quite comfortable. It is possible to have some foreign body sensation while the membrane remains in place. Significant pain is unusual and patients should alert their doctor.
5. Where Does it Come From?
Prokera is obtained from the placenta of healthy mothers who have healthy babies. The placenta tissue is processed aseptically and screened for a number of infectious diseases including HIV and Hepatitis. For more information visit: biotissue.com.
Disclosure: This information is not medical advice nor is it a substitute for advice from your doctor. If you have a damaging condition of the surface of the eye or any other eye condition you must consult your eye doctor for the right treatment recommendations or treatment plan. Not all patients are candidates for Prokera.