If you are diagnosed with corneal disorder of the eyes, your eye specialist may recommend an amniotic membrane procedure. People may experience symptoms like blurred vision, discomfort, and sensitivity to light. As amniotic membrane graft has healing properties it can heal the eye’s surface. Learn what to expect from the AM placement procedure and tips to improve healing in this article. Visit our clinic or check our website at https://www.ophthalmologybrooklyn.com to see all the services that can help you manage your eye condition.

AM placement procedure

For an amniotic membrane procedure, your doctor will ask you questions about your existing eye conditions, allergies, or medical history. Then, they guide you if you need to follow any pre-treatment instructions, such as discontinuing the use of certain eye drops or medications as advised by your eye doctor.

During the procedure, the doctor asks you to lie down on the examination table and place small devices over your eyelids to keep your eyes open. Now, they put some numbing drops in your eyes then put the amniotic membrane graft over the cornea and ocular surface of your eye and cover the eye. Its application takes mere minutes, but you need to keep it taped for about a week allowing the membrane to be absorbed by the corneal tissue. A doctor may use specialized glue or absorbable or nonabsorbable sutures to ensure the membrane stays in place. A doctor may place a bandage on the lens if the amniotic membrane is dehydrated or to prevent it from moving out of place.

During the period your eyes stay taped depending on the eye condition, it allows the affected eye to absorb the amniotic membrane and begin to repair the eye. Once the eyes absorb the membrane, a doctor will remove the ring that secures it and remove the sutures as well. Its effects can last for years depending on the eye condition.

After the treatment, you may experience that your symptoms improve and feel relief within a few days. Your eye doctor will guide you on how to take care of your eye, like using lubricating eye drops or ointments to aid your healing process. In some cases, additional treatments may be required every 4 to 6 months to maintain the desired therapeutic effects.

Tips after the AMT to improve healing

Generally, little recovery time is needed after the amniotic membrane grafting procedure because the membranes dissolve in your eye within a week. During this time, you may experience blurry vision, which is why you should avoid driving or other activities until your vision has been restored completely. Your doctor may recommend avoiding rubbing your eyes because it may cause unintentional injuries.

To maximize the benefits of the AMT procedure, you should follow these post-treatment tips for full recovery:

• After discharge, take things easy, don’t force yourself to focus on anything too much.
• Use eye drops or medications as prescribed.
• Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes to prevent irritation and infection.
• Make sure you wash your hands before putting the eye drops on.
• Protect your eyes from dust, smoke, and other irritants by wearing protective eyewear.
• If your eyelids are sticky, use some cooled boiled water to gently bathe them.
• Maintain good eye hygiene.
• Avoid smoky places.
• Your eye may feel gritty for up to 4 weeks.
• No swimming or driving for 8 weeks (about 2 months).
• Make sure you attend all your follow-up appointments with your eye doctor to monitor progress and ensure optimal results.

Amniotic membrane placement in ophthalmology is a good option for many eye conditions. Its procedure is easy and contains negligible risk. Due to amniotic membrane healing properties, it can fix conditions like dry eyes. Its effects last for many years.

To know your eligibility, visit our ophthalmology clinic in Brooklyn to get a proper diagnosis and know your eligibility for this procedure or other alternative methods to improve your vision. Call us to book your appointment now!

At Doral Health and Wellness Ophthalmology Center, our eye doctors can help you recover from all types of eye conditions and diseases. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 1-347-384-5690 or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212. You can also visit our website at https://www.ophthalmologybrooklyn.com.