AmbioDisk® and PROKERA® in Delray Beach, FL

Amniotic membrane (AM) grafts are biologic tissue placed over the cornea following treatments for ocular surface diseases or before refractive surgeries. As allografts, these tissues are sourced from human amniotic (fetal) membrane, which contains nutrient-rich growth factors and other properties that help heal and regenerate new cells on the eye's surface. Dedicated to providing the latest in ophthalmology care, our eye specialists at Rothchild Eye Institute utilize AmbioDisk® and PROKERA® amniotic membrane allograft technologies. AmbioDisk and PROKERA function as a protective layer as the eye tissues heal. If you have corneal conditions or require refractive or cataract surgery, please schedule a visit at our eye center in Delray Beach, FL to learn more about amniotic membrane grafts.

The benefits of AmbioDisk and PROKERA amniotic membranes are vast. These membranes work as protective layers placed over the eye to help it heal after ocular surface problems arise. A few advantages of the AmbioDisk and PROKERA amniotic membrane allograft technologies include the following:

• Minimizing the risk of corneal scarring
• Inflammation control 
• A straightforward, easy procedure for corneal issues 
• Reduces pain caused by eyelid friction 
• Enhances comfort following corneal treatments

Ideal candidates for AmbioDisk and PROKERA graft membranes have an ocular surface condition that is not responding to other forms of treatment or is at risk for ocular scarring. Patients suffering from ocular surface conditions like keratitis, corneal ulcers, and chemical burns will likely yield the greatest benefits of AmbioDisk and PROKERA amniotic membrane allograft technologies. AmbioDisk and PROKERA technologies are also an available treatment option for patients with chronic dry eye. Your ophthalmologist will assess your condition and review with you the recommended treatment option to best preserve the health of your eyes.

AmbioDisk and PROKERA are sutureless graft membranes that are generally placed within a quick visit to our office. These devices may be indicated to help manage a variety of conditions, including corneal ulcers, corneal erosion, chemical burns, corneal defects, keratitis, dry eye syndrome, and eye infections. To place amniotic membranes at Rothchild Eye Institute, our ophthalmologists will first anesthetize the eye with numbing drops. An eye speculum may then be used to hold the eye open during the procedure. The processes for placing AmbioDisk and PROKERA vary slightly:

• AmbioDisk is smoothed over the surface of the eye. A healing contact lens is then inserted to help hold the graft in place.
• PROKERA is first secured within an ophthalmic conformer ring, which is then placed over the surface of the eye.

The nutrients from these amniotic membrane grafts typically take about 5 – 7 days to dissolve into the eye. After this time, the AmbioDisk membrane and PROKERA conformer ring will be removed from the ocular area.

Amniotic membrane graft recovery time is typically very short, as this treatment promotes healing. These Amniotic grafts act as protective layers, minimizing the risk of corneal scarring and helping to control inflammation. The recovery period typically lasts 5 – 7 days. These procedures offer natural healing advantages for various cornea conditions. Our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.

Does AmbioDisk or PROKERA hurt?

Both AmbioDisk and PROKERA are similar to wearing a contact lens in your eye. The most common sensation is having something in your eye that may be uncomfortable for some people, but it isn’t painful.

How long does an AmbioDisk or PROKERA treatment take?

Both treatments are sutureless graft membranes that are typically placed during a quick office visit at Rothchild Eye Institute. The nutrients from the amniotic membrane take about 5 - 7 days to fully dissolve into the eye, after which the AmbioDisk membrane and PROKERA conformer ring can be removed from the eye.

What conditions are AmbioDisk and PROKERA used to treat?

AmbioDisk and PROKERA are indicated to help manage a variety of conditions, including:

• Preparation for eye surgery
• Eye infections
• Dry eye syndrome
• Keratitis
• Corneal defects
• Chemical burns
• Corneal erosion
• Corneal ulcers

Is PROKERA covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans will cover the cost of a PROKERA treatment, but you should always check with your provider before scheduling any procedure.

Corneal health is essential to your general comfort and vision. Amniotic membrane grafts, such as AmbioDisk and PROKERA, offer a natural approach to healing and provide therapeutic effects when treating an array of corneal conditions or preparing for eye surgery. We invite you to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist at Rothchild Eye Institute in Delray Beach, FL to further explore the advantages of amniotic membrane allografts.