Corneal Transplantation for Corneal and External Eye Diseases

The cornea is the clear covering on the front of the eye which bends, or refracts, light rays that focus on the retina in the back of the eye. A certain shape or curvature is required in order for light to focus exactly on the retina, rather than in front of it or behind it.

An improperly curved cornea may be corrected surgically or non-invasively to reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. A thorough eye examination and consultation are necessary before a treatment decision can be made.

Corneal transplantation, or keratoplasty, is recommended when the cornea's curvature is too steep or flat to be treated with other methods, or when extensive damage has occurred due to disease, infection or injury. Common problems that require transplantation are:

Transplantation involves replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy one from a donor (usually through an eye bank). Keratoplasty is a low-risk procedure - it is the most common type of transplant surgery and has the highest success rate.

During the procedure, a circular incision is made in the cornea. A disc of tissue is removed and replaced with healthy tissue; these discs may be thin (lamellar keratoplasty) or as deep as the entire cornea (penetrating keratoplasty, the technique used in almost all corneal transplants). Local or general anesthesia may be used. The entire procedure lasts only 30-90 minutes.

PROKERA®

PROKERA® is a Class II medical device created by clipping AMNIOGRAFT® into a dual, concave, polycarbonate ring set. Acting as a biologic bandage, PROKERA® effectively treats corneal and limbal surface conditions by suppressing inflammation, reducing scarring, and promoting epithelial healing. Corneal surface healing can be monitored while PROKERA® is inserted and the healing is usually visible within 1-2 weeks. The ring set should be removed once the desired healing is complete.

The Benefits of PROKERA®:

• Delivers therapeutic actions of wound healing and repair to corneal 
    surface
• Conforms snugly to the corneal surface without sutures
• Acts as a symblepharon ring to prevent adhesions and maintain space for tissue re-growth
• Can be inserted easily in an office or surgical setting

Indications for PROKERA®:

AMNIOGRAFT® 

AMNIOGRAFT® is a cryopreserved amniotic membrane that acts as a tissue replacement and therapeutic treatment for a wide range of ophthalmic indications. Because the membrane is minimally manipulated, AMNIOGRAFT® retains natural cytokines and growth factors in its matrix which suppress inflammation, reduce pain and promote ocular surface healing. AMNIOGRAFT® is used in a surgical setting and is attached to the ocular surface with sutures or glue.

• Provides natural wound repair and wound healing actions
• Processed with unique patented technology which
  preserves the original integrity and natural biologic actions
  of the tissue
• Durable, elastic and easy to handle

Indications for AMNIOGRAFT®

Corneal Diseases:

Conjunctival Diseases:

Other Applications:

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