5-star practice! Receptionists were polite and helpful. The doctor was thorough, professional, and genuinely cared about my concerns. I felt comfortable and will return.
Ever Avila
Amniotic Membrane Treatment for Cornea Healing
Conditions We Commonly Treat With This Therapy
Amniotic membrane is a versatile tool that addresses several corneal and ocular surface conditions. Our team selects this treatment when a wound needs extra biological support, protection, or a reduction in scar risk. Below are the most common conditions we treat with it.
A persistent epithelial defect, sometimes called a PED, is a wound on the cornea's outer cell layer that fails to close within the expected timeframe. The healing proteins in amniotic membrane can stimulate new cell growth and encourage the wound edges to close. For this condition, the membrane is often secured with a small ring device and left in place for one to two weeks. Most wounds respond well within that window.
When dry eye disease becomes severe, it can break down the corneal surface over time, causing pain, blurred vision, and difficulty with daily activities. Amniotic membrane gives the surface a protected environment to recover, while also calming the chronic inflammation that drives severe dry eye. A thinner, contact-lens-style membrane is often used for this purpose. Many patients notice meaningful relief within the first week.
Chemical burns and serious physical trauma are among the most urgent corneal emergencies we see. These injuries can overwhelm the eye's natural repair process, increasing the risk of permanent scarring and vision loss. Applying amniotic membrane promptly can cover the wound, deliver healing signals, and significantly improve the long-term outcome. Rapid treatment is especially important in these cases.
Some corneal procedures, such as pterygium removal (surgery to remove a growth on the white of the eye) or certain surface laser treatments, leave the eye with an area that needs help healing. Placing amniotic membrane at the end of the procedure reduces the likelihood of scar tissue forming and promotes a smoother, more comfortable recovery. Your surgeon will let you know if this is part of your planned care.
Our eye doctors also use amniotic membrane to support healing in cases of corneal melt, where the tissue begins to thin dangerously, and after certain procedures to clear calcium deposits from the corneal surface. It may also serve as a foundation for stem cell grafts in more complex cases. Your doctor will discuss whether this treatment is appropriate for your specific situation.
How We Place the Membrane
The method used to apply amniotic membrane depends on the type of condition being treated and the severity of the wound. Our team will explain the approach that makes the most sense for your eye and walk you through what to expect at each step.
For many patients, amniotic membrane comes pre-mounted on a small, flexible ring that sits comfortably in the eye, similar to a large contact lens. Numbing drops are placed in the eye first, so the procedure is painless. The whole process takes only a few minutes in our office. Some patients notice mild awareness of the ring for the first day, but this typically eases quickly.
Larger or more severe wounds, including serious burns or extensive corneal damage, may require the membrane to be secured directly to the eye using sutures or a surgical adhesive. This is performed in a more controlled setting with additional numbing, and light sedation may be offered. The membrane is left in place for days to weeks, and your surgeon will determine the right time to remove it based on how your healing is progressing.
Thinner, dissolving forms of amniotic membrane are available for milder surface problems or shorter healing needs. These versions absorb completely into the eye over a few days without any removal step. Even as the membrane fades, its healing compounds continue working in the tissue. Patients typically stop feeling any awareness of the membrane within a day or two.
Regardless of the type used, you will be given a drop schedule to follow while the membrane is in place. This typically includes lubricating drops, antibiotic drops, and in some cases a mild steroid drop to manage inflammation.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
- Wear sunglasses when outdoors
- Do not swim or use hot tubs during treatment
- Follow your full drop schedule even if the eye feels better
Most patients are able to return to light daily activities within a day or two of placement.
Safety and What to Expect During Treatment
Amniotic membrane has a strong safety record built on careful donor screening, rigorous tissue processing, and a long history of use in eye care. Our team is committed to making sure you feel informed and comfortable before, during, and after treatment.
Membranes are collected only from healthy planned C-section deliveries with the donor's full consent. Donors are screened for HIV, hepatitis, and other transmissible infections, and the tissue undergoes additional testing at every stage of processing. The screening standards are comparable to those used for corneal transplant donor tissue. Any tissue that does not meet testing requirements is not used.
Most patients experience a noticeable reduction in pain within the first hour after placement, as the membrane shields the cornea from the repeated friction of blinking. Light sensitivity often improves, and some patients notice cleaner vision in the first few days. Mild awareness of the ring device is normal at first and typically settles by the end of the first day.
For ring-mounted membranes, removal is a quick, painless in-office step at the one to two week mark. By this point, the membrane has usually been fully absorbed into the healing tissue. Sutured membranes require a longer timeline, and your doctor will plan the removal based on the progress your eye is making.
The overall risk profile of this treatment is low. Occasional mild irritation or slight movement of the ring device can occur. Infection is rare but possible, and it is treated promptly with antibiotic drops if it develops. Your doctor will review all potential risks with you before treatment begins. Contact our office right away if you notice any new or increasing pain, discharge, or sudden changes in your vision after placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers address questions our patients commonly ask that go beyond the basics of how the treatment works.
Glasses are generally fine to wear throughout treatment. Contact lenses, however, should not be placed over a ring-mounted or sutured membrane. If a dissolving membrane was used, your doctor will confirm when it is safe to resume contact lens wear based on how the surface is healing.
Some patients, particularly those with stubborn wounds or severe burns, may need a second application if the first does not produce full closure. Our eye doctors assess the eye at each follow-up visit and will recommend a repeat treatment only if the healing response indicates it is needed. This is not unusual and does not mean the first treatment failed.
In most cases, insurance covers amniotic membrane therapy when it is used to treat a documented medical condition such as a persistent wound, corneal burn, or severe dry eye disease. Coverage varies by plan, so our billing team will verify your specific benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs before your procedure. Financing options may also be available if needed.
Your doctor will examine the cornea at scheduled follow-up visits using a slit lamp, which is a specialized microscope used to view the eye's surface in detail. You do not need to assess healing on your own. However, you should report any new or worsening symptoms between visits, including increasing pain, cloudiness, or discharge, as these may warrant an earlier check.
Yes, amniotic membrane is used in pediatric patients for many of the same indications as in adults, including slow-healing wounds and severe ocular surface disease. The placement method and aftercare instructions may be adjusted slightly for younger patients, and our team will discuss the specific approach with parents or guardians in advance.
If a wound does not respond as expected, your doctor will re-evaluate the underlying cause and consider additional or alternative treatments. In some cases, addressing a contributing factor such as an infection, dry eye, or eyelid abnormality is necessary before the surface can fully heal. Amniotic membrane is one important tool within a broader approach to corneal care, not a single standalone solution for every situation.
Schedule a Consultation at NewView Eye Center
If you have a corneal wound, severe dry eye, or surface condition that has not responded to other treatments, our team at NewView Eye Center is here to help. We bring advanced corneal care and personalized attention to patients across Northern Virginia, with a focus on finding the right solution for your individual needs. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn whether amniotic membrane therapy is the right next step for you.
What our Patients Says
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