How long does an amniotic membrane last on the eye?

An amniotic membrane stays on the eye for 2 to 7 days before it dissolves or is removed by an eye doctor.

How Long It Stays on the Eye

• Self-retained devices (like PROKERA): The actual biological membrane typically dissolves or is absorbed within 2 to 5 days, though your doctor will schedule a quick follow-up to remove the tiny plastic ring holding it.
• Sutured grafts: If the membrane is stitched directly onto the surface of the eye for more severe damage, it can last 1 to 2 weeks (or up to a few weeks) before completely dissolving or being removed.

How Long the Healing Benefits Last

Even though the physical tissue dissolves within a week, the biological effects—such as reduced inflammation and surface healing—can provide relief for 3 to 6 months.

An amniotic membrane placed in the eye typically dissolves or is absorbed within 5 to 10 days, while initial surface healing of the eye takes about 1 to 2 weeks.

Absorption and Dissolution

• Self-dissolving membranes: Most modern, ring-mounted or sutureless amniotic membranes (such as Prokera) naturally dissolve or integrate into the eye tissue within 5 to 7 days.
• Sutured membranes: If the membrane is held in place with stitches, it may remain longer until your eye doctor removes the remaining material during a follow-up visit.

The Healing Timeline

• 1 to 3 days: Pain, burning, and light sensitivity often improve significantly as the membrane shields the surface from blinking.
• 1 to 2 weeks: The underlying corneal defect or surface damage largely heals, and any remaining ring device is removed in the office if it has not fully dissolved.
• Several weeks to months: Long-term reduction in inflammation and nerve regeneration continue to improve ocular comfort, with benefits sometimes lasting several months.

An amniotic membrane eye treatment typically costs between $1,500 and $2,000 per eye if paid entirely out-of-pocket without health insurance. However, for most patients, the final cost depends heavily on medical necessity, insurance coverage, and the type of membrane used.

Breakdown of Treatment Costs

• The Device Alone: The base wholesale cost of a single amniotic membrane disk or lens ranges from $200 to $1,000 depending on the size and whether it is cryopreserved (like the common brand PROKERA) or dehydrated.
• The Complete Procedure: Clinicians factor in application, a bandage contact lens, a temporary eyelid tape or speculum, and follow-up care. Private clinics often price these complete, uninsured packages around $1,500 to $2,000 per eye.
• Total Annual Societal Cost: In broader medical cost-effectiveness studies assessing moderate-to-severe Dry Eye Disease (DED) management over a full year, the cumulative direct medical costs (including exams, complications, and repeat procedures) average around $10,300.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage

In the United States, amniotic membrane grafting is largely reimbursable under insurance and Medicare via CPT billing code 65778, provided it is deemed "medically necessary".

• Covered Conditions: Insurance typically covers the procedure if you have severe corneal ulcers, chemical burns, recurrent erosions, keratitis, or advanced dry eye that has resisted standard drops.
• Doctor Reimbursement: Insurance plans generally reimburse eye clinics between $1,200 and $1,450 per treatment. If your insurance covers it, you will only be responsible for your standard deductible, co-insurance, or copay.

Types of Membranes Impacting Price

• Cryopreserved Membranes: These are kept frozen and contain a polycarbonate ring frame. They are highly effective at reducing inflammation but tend to be the most expensive option.
• Dehydrated Membranes: These are stored at room temperature and applied flat to the eye using a standard soft contact lens over the top to keep it in place. They are generally less expensive to manufacture and distribute.

Temporary blurred vision, foreign-body sensation, and light sensitivity are the most common side effects while an amniotic membrane is on the eye.

Common Temporary Symptoms

• Blurred vision: The membrane or its holding ring blocks clear sight while it remains on the cornea.
• Foreign-body sensation: You may feel like something is scratching or sitting inside your eye, similar to a misplaced contact lens.
• Light sensitivity: Bright lights can bother your eye more than usual during the healing phase.
• Mild discomfort or pressure: The eyelid can feel tight or irritated as it moves over the device.

Rare Complications

• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections are very rare because labs thoroughly screen and sterilize the donor tissue.
• Graft displacement or loss: The membrane can occasionally slip out of place or dissolve/detach sooner than expected.
• Inflammation or intolerance: Some eyes react poorly to the material, causing extra redness or delayed surface recovery.

Placing an amniotic membrane on the ocular surface without sutures is typically performed in an office setting using specialized self-retaining devices or a membrane paired with a bandage contact lens.

Methods for Sutureless Placement

• Self-Retaining Devices (e.g., Prokera): A cryopreserved amniotic membrane is clipped into a dual polycarbonate ring system that is inserted into the eye much like a large contact lens. The device holds the membrane against the ocular surface without glue or stitches.
• Dehydrated Membrane with Bandage Contact Lens: The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic. A small disc of dehydrated amniotic membrane is placed directly on the cornea, followed by a large-diameter bandage contact lens placed over it to hold the tissue in place as it hydrates and integrates.

General Procedure Steps

1. Anesthesia: The clinician applies topical anesthetic drops to numb the eye and reduce the blink reflex.
2. Insertion: The self-retaining ring or the membrane-and-lens combination is gently inserted under the eyelids.
3. Wear Time: The membrane typically stays on the eye for 5 to 7 days (or up to a couple of weeks depending on the specific condition) as it dissolves or promotes healing.
4. Removal: If a ring device or overlay contact lens remains after the membrane dissolves or the surface heals, the eye care provider removes it in the office.