Amniotic membrane therapy can be recommended when the surface of the eye needs more support than artificial tears or other routine treatments can provide. It may be used for severe dry eye, corneal surface damage, or other conditions where promoting ocular surface healing is a priority.
 

At Green Eye Care in Harlem, we offer Prokera amniotic membrane therapy for appropriate patients. Follow-up care is an important part of treatment because it allows us to remove the device when appropriate, examine the cornea, and determine how the eye is responding.
 

What Happens While the Amniotic Membrane Is in Place?

Prokera consists of an amniotic membrane held within a flexible ring that sits on the eye somewhat like a large contact lens. The membrane gradually dissolves while the device remains in place.
 

At our Harlem practice, Prokera typically stays on the eye for approximately one to three days, depending on the condition being treated and how the eye responds.
 

During this period, cloudy vision in the treated eye is expected because the membrane is not fully transparent. You may also notice watering, mild redness, discharge upon waking, or awareness of the device.
 

What Happens at the First Follow-Up?

When it is time for the device to be removed, you return to the office rather than attempting to take it out yourself. Removal is typically quick because much of the membrane has already dissolved.
 

At that appointment, we may evaluate:
 

• How the corneal surface is healing

• Whether redness or irritation has improved

• Changes in pain, burning, or gritty sensations

• Your vision after the device is removed

• Whether additional dry eye or ocular surface treatment is needed
   

The purpose of the visit is not simply to remove the ring. It also gives us an opportunity to determine whether the eye is healing as expected.
 

When Will Your Vision Clear?

Vision may be cloudy while Prokera is on the eye. Once the device is removed, this temporary obstruction is gone, although your vision and comfort may still depend on the underlying condition being treated.
 

Some Harlem patients notice improvement in their original symptoms relatively quickly, while others experience gradual changes as the ocular surface continues recovering.
 

Amniotic membrane treatment should not be viewed as a guarantee of immediate or permanent relief. Dry eye and other corneal conditions may still require ongoing management.
 

Will You Need More Follow-Up Visits?

Possibly. The number and timing of follow-ups depend on why the membrane was placed and what we see after removal.
 

For chronic dry eye, the amniotic membrane may be one part of a broader treatment plan. Artificial tears, prescription medications, eyelid care, management of meibomian gland dysfunction, or other therapies may still be recommended.
 

Follow-up exams allow us to monitor whether improvements are continuing and whether another contributor to ocular surface irritation needs attention.
 

What Symptoms Should You Report Right Away?

Some temporary irritation can occur while the device is in place, but severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should not wait until your scheduled appointment.
 

Contact Green Eye Care promptly if you develop severe or escalating eye pain, excessive eyelid swelling, a sudden shower of dark spots in your vision, or if the Prokera device appears to have moved out of position.
 

Do not attempt to remove or reposition the device yourself. Professional evaluation helps protect the healing cornea and prevents unnecessary disruption of treatment.
 

If you have recently received amniotic membrane therapy or need follow-up care for severe dry eye or another ocular surface condition, contact Green Eye Care at 404 E 117th St., New York, NY 10035 by calling (347) 757-5475 to schedule an appointment in Harlem.