Prokera® is an effective solution for stubborn ocular issues like severe dry eye disease because it promotes healing, soothes inflammation, and prevents scarring. At Beverly Hills Optometry: Advanced Dry Eye Center in Beverly Hills, California, knowledgeable optometrist Kambiz Silani, DO, prescribes Prokera to help patients recover good eye health and clear vision. Book a consultation by calling the office or click on the online scheduler to learn more today.
What is Prokera?
Prokera is a clear in-eye bandage made of natural biologic materials. This FDA-cleared device protects the eye’s surface (the cornea) from further damage while reducing inflammation, stimulating healing, and preventing scarring.
What problems does Prokera treat?
Prokera is an effective treatment strategy for many problems within the surface of your eye. Some of the issues it treats include:
- Mild-to-moderate dry eye syndrome: chronic dry, red, and irritated eyes
- Exposure keratopathy: excessive corneal exposure to the outdoors
- Corneal ulcers: open sore on the cornea
- Chemical burns that erode the surface of the cornea
- Infectious keratitis: bacterial infection in the cornea
In addition to treating current eye problems, Prokera can help you prepare for other treatments. For example, if you’re having cataract surgery soon, healthy corneas are crucial for good outcomes. Dr. Silani may prescribe Prokera to help optimize your corneal surface before the procedure.
What is Prokera made of?
Prokera consists of two main parts, the bandage itself and a stabilizing outer ring. The bandage is made of amniotic membrane donated from live C-section births.
Amniotic membrane has a tremendous amount of healing cells, making it invaluable for many precision medicine treatments today. It can jump-start healing and tissue regeneration with a massive infusion of growth factors.
All tissue samples are screened multiple times, and Prokera uses a specialized tissue processing and preservation system, CryoTek®, to ensure optimal outcomes.
The outer ring, made of polycarbonate, helps hold the amniotic membrane on your cornea to stimulate healing.
How does the Prokera treatment process work?
Dr. Silani applies topical anesthesia (eye drops) to ensure the process is comfortable for you. She gently holds your upper eyelid. As you look down, Dr. Silani expertly inserts the Prokera bandage under your upper lid.
She then pulls your lower lid down to position it securely in the lower part of your eye as well. Finally, Dr. Silani checks your eye under magnification to make sure the Prokera bandage is centered properly.
Prokera looks similar to a larger contact lens. It may take a few minutes to get used to it being in your eye, but it’s quite comfortable.
The Prokera bandage dissolves gradually over the treatment period, typically 3-5 days. Although the main part of the bandage dissolves naturally, you’ll still need a follow-up appointment so Dr. Silani can remove the outer ring and check on your healing progress.
Prokera can help you heal naturally, so why wait to get relief for dry eyes or other stubborn eye issues? Call Beverly Hills Optometry: Advanced Dry Eye Center or click on the online scheduler now.
