What is Prokera?
Prokera is an FDA-cleared therapeutic device that treats eye surface damage, including that caused by:
- Dry eyes
- Corneal scarring
- Keratitis
- Partial limbal stem cell deficiency
- Corneal defects
- Corneal ulcers
- Chemical burns
Prokera also treats a number of other ocular surface diseases that feature chronic inflammation.
The Prokera device works as a type of corneal bandage. It protects your eye to prevent further damage while also stimulating tissue healing.
What is Prokera made of?
Prokera is a large lens — much like a bigger, thicker contact lens — that has two main components.
Amniotic membrane
The middle part of the lens is an amniotic membrane, which is extremely rich in anti-inflammatory and healing factors. Prokera amniotic membranes come directly from an FDA-regulated tissue bank.
Prokera makers source all amniotic tissue from the placentas of healthy women following cesarean section births. All donated tissue goes through multiple layers of screening before use, and Prokera uses a proprietary method of processing and preservation, CryoTek®.
The CryoTek method ensures that the amniotic membrane retains its maximum biological healing factors.
Polycarbonate ring
A comfortable polycarbonate ring surrounds the amniotic membrane and secures it in place atop your eye.
Your Bainbridge Eye Care specialist has special training in the use of Prokera, and they can place the lens in your eye in the office.
How does Prokera insertion work?
Your specialist administers anesthesia eye drops to numb your eye, so you won’t be uncomfortable during the procedure. Then, they’ll gently hold your upper eyelid and ask you to look down.
While you’re looking down, your specialist inserts the Prokera into a part of your eye called the superior fornix. Then, they pull your lower eyelid down and move the bottom part of the Prokera into place.
Finally, your Bainbridge Eye Care specialist double-checks Prokera placement under a slit-lamp microscope. You might also need tape-tarsorrhaphy, in which your specialist temporarily tapes your eyelid down, to keep the amniotic membrane in place and encourage healing.
How long does it take for Prokera to work?
The amniotic membrane dissolves gradually, dispensing its biological healing factors as it does so. After a treatment period of 3-7 days, you return to Bainbridge Eye Care so your eye doctor can remove the ring and check your recovery.
If you have persistent dry eyes or other ocular surface diseases, Prokera could help. Call the Bainbridge Eye Care office or click the online scheduler to learn more now.
