Pikeville Medical Center offering new level of treatment for dry eye, corneal damage and more

PIKEVILLE — Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) is now utilizing state-of-the-art technology to treat patients suffering from several serious eye conditions. In July, the Appalachian Center for Advanced Eye Care at PMC began offering Opticyte Amniotic Ocular Matrix tissue technology for certain conditions affecting the cornea that are not responding well to other treatments.

For patients with dry eye disease, recurrent corneal erosion and other corneal defects, this technology offers an additional non-surgical option for treatment. Prior to this new procedure, once a patient reached the maximum dosage of eye drops or artificial tears, the only remaining option was a costly surgical procedure. The Opticyte Amniotic Ocular Matrix now allows many patients to get the relief and healing they need without surgery.

“The Opticyte Amniotic Ocular Matrix is a great option for our patients suffering from severe dry eye syndrome that isn’t responding to other treatments,” said Keith Ison, DO, FAAO, PMC Ophthalmologist. “Additionally, patients who have diabetes can develop neurotrophic keratitis and ulcers that are slow to heal. The Opticyte delivery system offers growth and healing factors to treat those conditions and is much more comfortable for the patient.”

Dry eye syndrome has a variety of causes and results in inadequate lubrication of the eyes from tears alone. This is typically treated with eye drops and artificial tears, but in some cases, these treatments may not be adequate even at their maximum dosage. 

Corneal erosion and abrasion can be caused by trauma to the cornea, which is the clear protective layer of tissue on the front of the eye. Abrasions, or scratches, can be caused by fingernails, tree branches, metal particles and other foreign objects. Depending on the severity, these types of injuries can be treated with eye drops or ointments and may require surgical treatment in severe cases. 

The new Opticyte Amniotic Ocular Matrix procedure utilizes a thin amniotic membrane placed on the eye and held in place by a bandage contact lens until it dissolves fully into the cornea. This biological barrier can improve a patient’s dry eye syndrome and allows corneal damage to heal. Unlike a surgical procedure, the application of this new technology is performed in a clinical setting and takes approximately five minutes to perform. 

This procedure can be repeated, if necessary, to provide further relief and care to patients. The Opticyte procedure can be performed by both optometrists and ophthalmologists and allows patients to get back to their normal daily routine more quickly than surgical options.

The Appalachian Center for Advanced Eye Care at Pikeville Medical Center is staffed by a team of highly skilled physicians and staff. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to provide patients with high-quality care. To schedule an appointment, visit pikevillehospital.org or call 606-430-2209.

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