prokera video

[bunnyrabbit123]

I viewed the video posted yesterday on the application of prokera to a patient. It was amazing. There didn't seem to be a disclaimer stating that this treatment is reserved only for serious corneal or ocular problems-
Is this now being marketed as a dry eye treatment? I know this has been talked about in the past, but what would this cost? Would this be covered by insurance?
It is winter and like a lot of you, I'm at the end of my tether trying to lubricate these orbs and still have a life. If this were to become available, sign me up!!

[Hemu]

Hey Bunny,

Can you post a link to that video?

I did ask a few doctors about Prokera and all of them unanimously told me that it is reserved for extreme cases. I've also heard that it is uncomfortable for a bit of time.

I'm by no means downplaying the pain all of us are in, nor am I trying to discourage you. A few months ago when I was willing to try anything, I had seriously considered Prokera. In hindsight, I'm glad I didn't.

From what I understand, it is more of a vehicle for corneal damage issues.

[bunnyrabbit123]

Hi Hemu,
It sounds like you're doing better- Glad to hear this.
If you type in the words "Prokera video" in the search box at the top of the forum, that should bring up the link Pinky was kind enough to post. If not, I'll try to do it. Check this out and let me know what you think.
Claire

[wantsim]

I came back today from my appt with my cornea specialist. She doesn't think Prokera would be beneficial :-( She told me that Prokera is indicated for acute (short term) healing of cornea injuries, and would not help much for chronic dry eye.

My eyes are too big for the Prokera I was told and would need to either tape my eyelid shut for 7 days to retain it, or she would have to apply a stitch along the outer corner of my eye (tarsography) to keep the eye semi-closed. The Prokera would fall out too easily. Really? I thought I'm asian I have more oval eyes and she's worried it may fall out?

The reasoning why it wouldn't work was because although the lens would help the cornea feel better in the interim, once you remove the Prokera after 7 days, the cornea will slowly return to baseline dryness............basically back to square one.

I inquired if the nerve growth factors in the Prokera would help accelerate regrowth of the severed corneal nerves and she said she doesn't think this would make a difference.

She encouraged to try Restasis again because it works for most of her patients, yet I told her it makes my eyes burn all day long, she said keep doing it because it is all we have now. Very sad news to hear.

Suggestion was made for compounded albumin protein eye drops (from Leiters pharmacy, san jose) as an alternative, and I have not tried that yet, so told her I would be willing to give it a shot and she would call it in.
Nice doctor, willing to listen, empathetic, and I could see she felt bad that I have tried mutliple modalities and nothing has seemed to provide good relief.

The only thing we can do is keep trying and never give up !