Overview
Amniotic Membrane Transplantation is a highly specialised and innovative surgical technique used to treat dry eye or severe, non-healing conditions of the ocular surface. The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta, safely and ethically donated by healthy mothers following elective caesarean sections. This remarkable natural tissue is uniquely rich in powerful growth factors, anti-inflammatory proteins, and anti-scarring properties, making it an extraordinary biological bandage.
Mr Arthur Okonkwo, a dual fellowship-trained Consultant Ophthalmologist based in Leeds, utilises Amniotic Membrane Transplantation to manage a wide spectrum of complex ocular surface diseases. When applied to a damaged or diseased eye, the amniotic membrane acts as a protective scaffold. It suppresses intense inflammation, prevents aggressive scar tissue formation, and actively stimulates the patient’s own stem cells to regenerate and heal the surface of the cornea and conjunctiva.
This advanced regenerative therapy is often a sight-saving intervention for patients suffering from persistent corneal ulcers, severe chemical burns, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or extensive ocular surface scarring. It can also relieve dry eye symptoms for between 6 weeks and 3 months. Mr Okonkwo carefully assesses each patient to determine the most appropriate application method. The membrane can be placed under a contact lens in dry eye patients or surgically sutured or glued onto the eye as a permanent graft to replace severely damaged tissue, to promote rapid healing before naturally dissolving.
Key Benefits
- Accelerates natural healing
- Reduces inflammation and scarring
- Provides immediate pain relief
- Promotes stem cell regeneration
- Versatile application
- Expert Consultant care
Conditions Treated
- Persistent Corneal Ulcers
- Severe Chemical or Thermal Burns
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
- Ocular Surface Pemphigoid
- Severe Dry Eye Syndrome
- Post-Surgical Healing (e.g., extensive pterygium)
What to Expect
1
Initial Consultation
A detailed and urgent discussion of your severe ocular surface symptoms and medical history.
2
Diagnostic Assessment
A thorough slit-lamp examination is performed, often utilising specialised fluorescent dyes to precisely highlight areas of severe cellular damage, ulceration, or tissue melting on the cornea.
3
Treatment Planning
Based on the clinical assessment, Mr Okonkwo will determine the most appropriate technique—whether the membrane should be applied as a temporary biological bandage or surgically secured as a permanent graft.
4
The Procedure
The procedure is typically performed as a day case under local anaesthetic. The damaged ocular surface is carefully prepared, and the sterile amniotic membrane is precisely positioned.
5
Immediate Aftercare
Following the procedure, a protective eye pad or shield is often placed over the eye.
6
Follow-Up Care
Close and frequent monitoring is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the amniotic membrane come from?
The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta. It is ethically and voluntarily donated by healthy mothers who undergo planned, elective caesarean sections. The tissue is rigorously screened, tested for infectious diseases, and highly purified and sterilised by national tissue banks before it is ever approved for surgical use.
Is the procedure painful?
The application procedure itself is not painful because strong local anaesthetic is used to completely numb the eye. In fact, for patients suffering from severe corneal ulcers or burns, the application of the amniotic membrane often provides significant and immediate pain relief, as it covers and protects the exposed, highly sensitive nerve endings on the surface of the eye.
Will the membrane stay in my eye permanently?
In most cases, no. When used as a biological bandage to promote healing, the amniotic membrane will naturally dissolve and integrate into the eye over the course of 1 to 2 weeks. As it dissolves, it releases its powerful healing growth factors into the surrounding tissue. In certain severe cases where it is used as a structural graft to replace missing tissue, it becomes a permanent part of the newly healed ocular surface.
Will my vision be blurry after the procedure?
Yes, your vision will likely be quite blurry immediately following the procedure. The amniotic membrane is translucent, not perfectly clear like a healthy cornea, so looking through it is somewhat like looking through frosted glass. As the membrane dissolves and the underlying cornea heals and clears over the following weeks, your vision will gradually improve.
Are there any risks of rejection?
The risk of your body rejecting the amniotic membrane is extraordinarily low. The amniotic tissue lacks the specific cellular markers (antigens) that typically trigger an immune response and rejection in the recipient’s body. Furthermore, its inherent anti-inflammatory properties actively help to calm the eye’s immune system, making it an exceptionally safe and well-tolerated biological treatment.
Quick Info
Duration
The surgical application typically takes between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition and the method of securing the membrane.
Recovery
Pain relief is often immediate. Visual recovery depends entirely on the severity of the underlying condition being treated. The membrane itself usually dissolves naturally over 1 to 2 weeks.
Specialist Care
All treatment is strictly Consultant-led by a dual fellowship-trained corneal specialist, ensuring expert care for complex ocular surface diseases.
Ready to Get Started?
Book a consultation to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
Ready to Discuss Your Vision?
If you are suffering from a severe, non-healing corneal condition or ocular surface disease, advanced regenerative treatments are available. Book an urgent consultation to explore how Amniotic Membrane Transplantation can promote healing and protect your sight.