As Northern Michigan’s leading eye care center, Alpine Eye Care offers comprehensive eye care services including eye exams, vision correction, specialized eye care for seniors, treatment of eye diseases, and in-office laser treatments for macular degeneration, complications of diabetes and glaucoma. As the home of the only eye surgeons in the region who have been certified by the board of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, we are able to perform state-of-the-art cataract surgery cosmetic procedures at Mercy Hospital Grayling, Otsego Memorial Hospital or McLaren Northern Michigan-Cheboygan Campus, giving you the flexibility to choose a surgery site that is best for you, and to keep care local. To continue to bring you the latest in effective eye treatment, Alpine Eye Care is pleased to offer PROKERA® to our patients suffering from delayed healing of the cornea or ocular surface, as well as diseases including filamentary keratitis, recurring corneal erosions and severe or chronic dry eye.
In a healthy eye, tears are made from a balanced mix of water, oil and mucus that coat the eye surface, lubricating they eye and refreshing structures and tissue. Imbalances in tears can result from the normal aging process, from living in a hot, windy climate, prolonged exposure to air conditioning, or if you are female, as it tends to be more common in women. When an imbalance in this mixture occurs, tears may evaporate too quickly or tear production becomes insufficient, resulting in dry spots on the eye surface. These dry spots can lead to irritation and unsightly redness of the eye, as well as burning, itching, and increased discomfort while reading or watching television. In severe cases, infection can occur, and when dryness becomes chronic, permanent damage can occur. PROKERA® corneal bandages are applied over the eye surface, forming a protective layer that soothes irritation and eases pain. This biologic bandage slows the evaporation of tears and promotes fast, natural healing. This groundbreaking treatment is the only therapeutic device approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to promote regenerative healing of the ocular surface. PROKERA® is similar to a contact lens, but is comprised of amniotic tissue that has been clinically shown to improve healing and inhibit inflammation and scarring. This tissue has been used in eye surgery for more than fifteen years, has been proven safe and is held in a ring that can be comfortably inserted in your ophthalmologist’s office. To learn more about this exciting new treatment or any of the quality eye care we provide, schedule an appointment or call Alpine Eye Care at 1.877.733.2020 to schedule your consultation today.