The PROKERA® lens is a game changer if you are suffering from any ocular surface disease.
PROKERA® is a form of treatment that helps to stimulate healing properties on the surface of your eye while also working as a protective barrier.
Your McAllen eye doctor at Gelman Vision can prescribe PROKERA® to help with healing after your LASIK procedure or other eye injury. As a protective barrier, PROKERA® helps to reduce inflammation and prevent scarring in your cornea.
If you’re considering PROKERA®, here’s what you can expect during the treatment process.
What Is PROKERA® and How Does It Work?
The PROKERA® lens is made from a film of an amniotic membrane sourced from a tissue bank. It not only provides a protective barrier, but also has stem cells that help with the healing process.
What Can I Expect During Treatment With PROKERA®?
The exact length of treatment can vary depending on the circumstances of your situation. If you sought eye care from the only corneal transplant surgeon in the RGV at Gelman Vision, then a PROKERA® lens may be placed in each eye for three to five days, during which only your McAllen eye doctor will touch it.
Each individual’s journey will vary slightly, but most will experience the following:
First 24 Hours With Your PROKERA® Lens
At this point, the lens will not be completely clear, so you can expect to have blurry vision when you leave the doctor’s office. You’ll also likely have some redness, discharge, or watery eyes.
You will likely feel some discomfort, so it’s best to use a cool compress and take a nap. You’ll need to be very gentle with your eye at this time since it is easy to accidentally dislodge your PROKERA® lens.
Days Two to Three
Your vision will likely get a bit worse, so avoid driving or operating any heavy machinery. During this time, you shouldn’t submerge your face in water, put makeup or products near your eyes, or try to do anything too strenuous.
You can shower, but your eyes should be very tightly closed. You will also need to be careful when you dry your face.
At around day three, you should begin to feel less discomfort as the foreign body sensation from the lens decreases.
Days Four to Five of PROKERA® Treatment
You’ll likely have some discharge, but your vision should improve. Your McAllen eye doctor will typically want a follow-up at this time to see how you have healed.
If you still aren’t completely healed, your doctor may recommend another round of treatment.
Symptoms To Pay Attention For
The single biggest thing you should watch out for during PROKERA® treatment is pain. Some discomfort is normal, but it should be minimal; it should be the equivalent of having something in your eye.
If the pain is overbearing, you should seek out medical treatment immediately.
You may also be allergic to the film or process used to make the lens, so pay attention to symptoms like swelling or excessive redness.
Ready To Try Out PROKERA®? Gilman Vision Is Here for You!
PROKERA® can be a wonderful tool for eye treatments and is the only device that is FDA-approved to go directly on the surface of the eye.
Dr. Gilman, the only corneal transplant surgeon in the RGV, may recommend PROKERA® for a few procedures to enhance your healing while you recover.