September 12, 2023
Rarely does a technology emerge that fundamentally shifts the paradigms of our practice. The amniotic membrane is such a groundbreaking innovation. Its efficacy and diverse applications have left not only me but many in our field deeply impressed.
A significant number of patients suffer from issues and medical conditions that once seemed untreatable. Enter the amniotic membrane, a solution that some regard almost as a “wonder drug.” Whenever I deliver lectures on anterior segment eye disease or dry eye, I often poll the audience on their usage of amniotic membranes. It’s surprising to note that only about half of my colleagues have embraced this revolutionary technology.
Here are a few instances showcasing the transformative power of amniotic membranes:
- Recurrent Erosion: I have seen patients who’ve grappled with painful, chronic recurrent erosions that radically affected their lives, revisiting our office every few months with a new episode. The introduction of the amniotic membrane to their treatment regimen has remarkably improved their daily lives.
- Corneal Abrasion: While not every corneal abrasion necessitates an amniotic membrane, it’s immensely beneficial for more severe cases, such as large central abrasions or fingernail scratches. These often take longer to heal and can lead to subsequent recurrent erosions.
- Herpetic Corneal Scarring: Cases of herpetic corneal scarring that previously seemed intractable have responded incredibly well to amniotic membrane treatment.
In an insightful article in the Dry Eye section of Review of Presbyopia and the Aging Eye, two of our esteemed editors, Drs. Barnett and Garlich delve into the variety of amniotic membranes available in today’s market. Everyone has their preferred variant, and I hope that, post-reading, you’ll find your own go-to choice.
A common reservation regarding the adoption of amniotic membranes is the cost, with prices ranging from $900 to $1,800. Coupled with high patient deductibles, some professionals are hesitant. However, we must remember that the decision to adopt newer technological advancements should be based on the patient’s well-being and preference. We shouldn’t predetermine what our patients are willing to pay; rather, it’s our duty to offer the best available treatments and guide them through their options. It is our moral responsibility to understand what a patient can afford and use this as a guideline to develop an affordable treatment strategy. Most major medical insurance providers, along with some vision care benefit plans, do cover amniotic membrane treatments. As custodians of our patients’ ocular health, it’s our responsibility to understand what’s covered and communicate that effectively, balancing both treatment efficacy and cost. I can assure you, the patients we have treated with amniotic membranes would have paid anything for their treatment results. It is nothing short of miraculous.
