Amniotic membrane provides patient and doctor satisfaction

The use of an amniotic membrane for corneal damage resulting from keratitis, corneal ulcers or other related conditions, has been a welcomed addition to the cornea treatment armamentarium, thanks to its healing properties. AcellFX, from Théa, is one such product.

Here, three optometrists well acquainted with amniotic membrane tissues discuss the features that provide both patient and doctor satisfaction.

QUALITY

AcellFX is an HCT/P (human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based product), something Bertram Buie, OD, of Dr. Buie and Associates, in Fort Worth, Texas, says makes it a “quality” treatment for his corneal disease patients:

“We have been pleased that we have not seen any allergic or adverse reactions with the membrane,” he explains. “Additionally, in our practice, we have noted 50% to 100% improvement in the dry eye disease patients we have used it on.”

READY TO USE

AcellFX is ready for immediate use, as it doesn’t require rinsing or thawing. As time is at a premium in optometric practices, all those interviewed say they appreciate the time savings the amniotic membrane affords them.

SMALL FOOTPRINT

The amniotic membrane is small (sizes include 5 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm circular disks) with varying thinness.

“I like that the AcellFX has a very small footprint, and is very easily inserted,” Marc Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO, of Schwartz Laser Eye Center, in Scottsdale, Ariz., says. “It’s like a contact lens, in that it fits comfortably on the eye.”

Optometrist Kirk Matoba, of Drs. Matoba, Optometrists, in Lakewood, Colo., adds that the membrane’s small footprint has helped with patient compliance to its use:

“Because the patient can sleep normally and go about their day as normal, we’ve seen patient compliance go through the roof with this product,” he says.

AMENABILITY

Dr. Bloomenstein says he has found that patients are receptive to this treatment, as they grasp the basic concept of the use of stem cells in health care:

“I let patients know that the AcellFX creates a structure from which the cornea can regenerate, and they don’t have to worry about rejection. This is because no cells are involved, as the chorion and fetal epithelium are removed,” he points out. “I also educate them that resetting the corneal tissue, using the amniotic membrane, gives the cornea a fresh start, and patients appreciate that.”

Dr. Matoba agrees, noting many of his patients are both eager and willing to try it.

BROAD USE

“There is so much benefit to clearing the corneal surface that almost any patient who is experiencing corneal pathology would make a good candidate,” says Dr. Matoba. “This includes recurrent corneal erosions, ulcers stemming from disease, trauma or injury, and any other degradation of the corneal epithelium.”

Dr. Bloomenstein says that patients who have mild-to-moderate pain and/or discomfort can also make good candidates for the AcellFX amniotic membrane, as it can prevent them from moving into the severe category. OM