PROKERA®

What is Prokera?

Prokera is a therapeutic device that optometrists apply to the eye like you would a contact lens. It’s used to repair and heal damage on the surface of the eye. The device is made out of two clear and flexible rings that sandwich a piece of amniotic membrane tissue.

What Does Prokera Treat?

There are three types of Prokera devices: Slim, regular, and Plus. Each kind treats different conditions.

Prokera Slim treats mild to moderate conditions like:

• Keratitis
• Dry eye
• Corneal erosions
• Corneal ulcers
• Corneal abrasions

The standard form of Prokera treats any of the following moderate to severe conditions:

• Neurotrophic PED: Degenerative corneal disease
• Salzmann’s nodular degeneration: Colored nodules above the surface of the cornea
• Severe infection keratitis
• Corneal wounds

Finally, Prokera Plus treats the following severe conditions:

• Chemical burns
• Severe corneal ulcers
• Severe corneal wounds
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome: Disorder of the skin and mucous membranes

How Does Prokera Work?

Prokera is a noninvasive, painless device that your doctor places in a single appointment.

Your optometrist starts by injecting a topical anesthetic in drop form into your eye to minimize any potential discomfort.

Holding your upper lid open, your optometrist asks you to look down so the Prokera can be inserted into your eye. Your doctor then pulls the upper and lower eyelids on top of the Prokera device.

As you heal, the Prokera membrane will dissolve, though you will need to go back to Bronx Eye Associates to fully remove the device from your eye. In most cases, the membrane will dissolve within a week, though this depends on the damage.

What are the Side Effects of Prokera?

Most patients have reported little to no side effects. However, you might experience a temporary blurring of vision due to the amniotic membrane covering the cornea.

You might also experience mild discomfort because of the polycarbonate rings that hold the amniotic membrane together.

Don’t wait to find out more about how Prokera can successfully heal your eye condition. Call or go online today to book an appointment with a specialist at Bronx Eye Associates.