Amniotic Membrane Therapy

Amniotic Membrane Therapy

About Amniotic Membrane Therapy

Human amniotic membrane has been shown to provide much benefit in the treatment of certain conjunctival and corneal conditions.  Traditionally, amniotic membrane allografts have been transplanted with sutures or fibrin glue in the operating room.  At present, the in-office use of sutureless allografts offer a patient-friendly, non-invasive, fast alternative with significant clinical outcomes.  The acellular, precisely cut grafts act as a physical wound cover and barrier to protect the cornea, conjunctiva and epithelium as they heal.  The graft will also reduce pain and irritation from friction by the eyelids on the ocular surface.

Amniotic membranes promote epithelial growth.  They reduce cell death and inflammation and also possess antimicrobial properties that can decrease the rate of infections.  The round and disc shaped grafts are available in a range of thicknesses and sizes for maximum versatility. In preparation and manufacture, the amniotic membrane allograft is subjected to a process of decellularization and stabilization that is followed by bathing in a low dose of gamma rays after which the membrane can be implanted and universally tolerated without a risk of rejection.

Amniotic Membrane Therapy research

Benefits of In-Office Amniotic Membrane Therapy

  • Naturally adheres to the tissues
  • Can be handled pre-moistened or dry
  • Can be applied in either direction
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Amniotic Membrane Therapy Uses

Amniotic membrane is similar in composition to the conjunctiva, the clear mucous membrane covering the front of the eye.  In Amniotic Membrane Therapy (AMT) Dr. Belmont uses the allograft to repair or reconstruct the conjunctiva and to promote a healthy ocular surface for patients with many types of conjunctival or corneal disease including dry eyes, excessive tearing, burning sensation, and irritation resulting from meibomian gland dysfunction.

Dr. Belmont may also perform AMT after the excision of a pterygium. Also known as “Surfer’s Eye,” pterygium is a benign growth on the conjunctiva. When it worsens enough to put the patient’s eyesight at risk, or becomes cosmetically bothersome, it can be surgically removed. Dr. Belmont places the allograft to fill the empty space left by the removal of the pterygium. The graft starts working immediately to promote regenerative healing.

Dr. Belmont can also use AMT for reconstructive purposes in cases of conjunctival tumors. After removing the tumor, the ocular surface is patched up with the graft, which helps the damaged area heal.

Another common use for AMT is in the treatment of corneal ulcers. Once the ulcer has been removed, Dr. Belmont places the allograft to build the tissue thickness back up. The goal is to promote faster healing and avoid cornea transplantation

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Our Location

Dr. Belmont is proud of her reputation as one of the leading LASIK surgeons in New York. She treats all patients with the utmost attentiveness and dedication, an approach that helps reduce patients’ anxiety and deliver highly rewarding vision correction results. Her office is conveniently located in New York City between Park and Lexington Avenue.

The Belmont Eye Center is located at:

Belmont Eye Center
121 E 61st St
New York, NY 10065
212-486-2020

To get to us by subway, take the number 4, 5, 6, or the N, R or W
to 59th Street and Lexington Avenue,
or take the F train to Lexington and 63rd Street.

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