Highland Ophthalmology Associates Offers ProKera® to Corneal Patients
New Windsor, New York, February 14, 2012 – Mary Davidian, M.D., of Highland Ophthalmology Associates, a leading eye surgeon in The Hudson Valley, announces offering her patients a unique corneal wound repair and healing device called ProKera®. Today, ProKera® is the only medical device that can provide wound healing to patients afflicted with a damaged cornea, the outer transparent surface of the eye.
ProKera® is a unique treatment option for patients presenting with corneal abrasions, scarring, erosions, corneal scars, chemical burns, corneal defects, partial limbal stem cell deficiencies, high-risk corneal transplants, Stevens - Johnson syndrome, and many other ocular surface conditions which may require corneal surgery or a corneal transplant. Sutureless and adhesiveless, ProKera® is a safe and effective method to promote healing and reconstruction of the ocular surface and orbit with minimal side effects.
ProKera® is similar to a contact lens and is made by placing a piece of amniotic membrane tissue in between two rings made out of a clear, flexible material. The membrane is thin and clear, like the tissue on the surface of the eye, and protects the eye's damaged tissue while inserted. The ProKera® device can remain in the eye for up to 30 days. However, it should facilitate healing of most defects within 5-10 days, at which point the membrane in the device will naturally dissolve and the ring set can be removed by an eye surgeon.
The healing properties of ProKera® deliver natural biological and therapeutic actions inherent in amniotic tissue to help damaged eye surfaces heal faster. Eyes treated with ProKera® heal faster, with less scarring and inflammation. Moreover, it reduces chances of the formation of abnormal blood vessels, and induces less pain or discomfort to the patient.
"ProKera® allows me to provide my patients with exceptional clinical results safely and effectively, without surgery," said Dr. Mary Davidian. "In addition, the ProKera® device is now configured and packaged much like a contact lens, which enables easy insertion right here in our office, hospital bedside, or following other surgical procedures. I have been using ProKera® in the operating room for several years and I was delighted when it was officially approved by Medicare recently for use as an office procedure rather than an operating room procedure."
Considered a leading expert in cataract, corneal treatment and surgery, Dr. Davidian frequents national conferences on ophthalmology. She has lectured to other ophthalmologists on the proper use of ProKera®, proper diagnosis, and addressing the conditions under which a patient can benefit the most from this device.
"I think of it as a magic bandaid," said Dr. Davidian. "As a corneal specialist, I see a lot of patients with corneal damage, including patients referred to me by my colleagues. ProKera® allows me to provide patients with a unique alternative to surgery which, in many cases, helps them with a much quicker and less painful recovery."
Dr. Mary Davidian, founder and Medical Director of Highland Ophthalmology Associates, LLC, has been living in and serving the greater Hudson Valley community since 1997. Dr. Davidian is a fellowship trained corneal specialist. She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the New York Keratorefractive Surgery Society, the New York Intraocular Lens Implant (NYIOL) Society, and the New York State Ophthalmological Society (NYSOS) in which she has served on the Board of Directors.
Dr. Davidian is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and serves as an Associate Adjunct Professor at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and the New York Medical College.
For more information about ProKera®, ask your doctor or visit www.highlandophthalmology.com.
The Bio-Tissue ProKera® website is
www.biotissue.com.
Call (845) 562-0138 today for your first consultation with Dr. Davidian.
ProKera® is a registered trademark of Bio-Tissue, Inc.