A clinical resource for eye care professionals on the use of amniotic membrane grafts in ocular surface repair, corneal healing, and surgical reconstruction.
The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta, composed of a basement membrane and an avascular stromal matrix. It has been used in ophthalmic surgery since the early 20th century and has become a standard-of-care tissue for a wide range of ocular surface conditions.
Amniotic membrane contains a rich concentration of growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins that actively support tissue regeneration. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-angiogenic properties make it uniquely suited for the delicate environment of the ocular surface.
Processed and preserved amniotic membrane grafts are used both as a biological scaffold (stroma-side down, to support re-epithelialization) and as a biological bandage (epithelium-side down, to modulate inflammation and reduce pain).
Learn About the Graft Procedure →Amniotic membrane is indicated across a broad spectrum of anterior segment conditions. Its versatility and safety profile have driven adoption among corneal specialists, comprehensive ophthalmologists, and optometrists.
Self-retained amniotic membrane devices (e.g., PROSE, ring-based systems) provide sustained anti-inflammatory therapy for moderate-to-severe DED, reducing dependence on topical agents.
Read more →Amniotic membrane grafts accelerate re-epithelialization and reduce stromal scarring in persistent epithelial defects, neurotrophic ulcers, and infectious keratitis recovery.
Read more →Early application of amniotic membrane following ocular chemical injury reduces limbal stem cell loss, corneal vascularization, and the risk of permanent vision impairment.
Read more →Used as an adjunct to bare sclera or conjunctival autograft techniques, amniotic membrane reduces recurrence rates and supports faster conjunctival regeneration post-excision.
Read more →Amniotic membrane is widely used after glaucoma filtration surgery, keratoplasty, and ocular surface tumor resection to promote healing and minimize fibrotic scarring.
Read more →Acute amniotic membrane application during the active phase of SJS/TEN has been shown to dramatically reduce symblepharon formation and long-term ocular sequelae.
Read more →Clinical evidence supports amniotic membrane as a first-line tissue therapy for ocular surface disease, offering advantages over synthetic membranes, conjunctival autografts, and topical pharmacotherapy alone in many indications.
| Factor | Amniotic Membrane | Synthetic Bandage Lens | Topical Therapy Alone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory | ✅ Active biological activity | ❌ Passive only | ⚠️ Medication-dependent |
| Promotes re-epithelialization | ✅ Growth factors present | ❌ No | ⚠️ Indirect |
| Anti-fibrotic / anti-scarring | ✅ TGF-β modulation | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Anti-angiogenic | ✅ TSP-1, other factors | ❌ No | ⚠️ Partial |
| Office/OR application | ✅ Both settings | ✅ Office | ✅ Office |