Severely dry eyes can interfere with daily life, affect vision quality, and make even simple tasks like reading or driving difficult. For patients who don’t find relief from artificial tears, prescription drops, or lifestyle changes alone, advanced therapies may be needed. One of the most effective modern treatments for severe dry eye disease is amniotic membrane therapy.

Understanding Severe Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. In severe cases, the surface of the eye becomes inflamed and damaged, leading to symptoms such as:

• Persistent burning or stinging

• Redness and irritation

• Sensitivity to light

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

• A gritty or foreign-body sensation

Chronic dryness can damage the cornea, slow healing, and increase the risk of infection. When standard treatments are no longer enough, therapies that actively promote healing become essential.

What Are Amniotic Membranes?

Amniotic membranes are derived from the innermost layer of the placenta and have been safely used in medicine for decades. In eye care, these membranes are specially processed, sterilized, and preserved for therapeutic use.

Amniotic membranes are rich in natural growth factors, anti-inflammatory proteins, and healing components that help repair damaged tissue. When applied to the eye, they act as a biological bandage, protecting the surface while encouraging regeneration.

How Amniotic Membranes Help Heal Dry Eyes

Inflammation plays a major role in severe dry eye disease. Amniotic membranes help calm inflammation on the eye’s surface, allowing irritated tissues to recover and reducing redness, pain, and swelling.

The growth factors found in amniotic membranes stimulate cell regeneration. This helps repair damage to the cornea and conjunctiva, restoring a healthier ocular surface and improving tear stability.

By covering the cornea, amniotic membranes create a protective environment that shields the eye from blinking friction and environmental irritants. This protection allows the eye to heal without constant disruption.

As the eye surface heals, patients often notice significant improvements in comfort, reduced dryness, and clearer vision. Many patients experience relief within days to weeks, depending on the severity of their condition.

Who Can Benefit From Amniotic Membrane Therapy?

Amniotic membranes are often recommended for patients with:

• Severe or chronic dry eye disease

• Dry eye related to autoimmune conditions

• Ocular surface damage or corneal defects

• Post-surgical dryness

• Inflammation that does not respond to conventional treatments

Our optometrist will determine whether this therapy is right for you based on a comprehensive dry eye evaluation.

Find Lasting Relief From Dry Eye Discomfort

Severe dry eye disease can significantly impact comfort, vision, and quality of life - but advanced treatments like amniotic membrane therapy offer renewed hope. By reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and protecting the eye’s surface, amniotic membranes address the root causes of severe dryness rather than simply masking symptoms.

If artificial tears and medications haven’t provided the relief you need, it may be time to explore advanced dry eye solutions. Schedule a consultation with Green Eye Care to find out if amniotic membrane therapy is right for you.  Call 347-757-5475 or visit our website at www.greeneyeharlem.com/book-online to book an appointment today.