Conjunctivochalasis

Patient Testimonial:
“I’ve had what I thought was dry eye for quite some time.  The eye drops prescribed for my condition weren’t helping so I went back to my physician and found out that I had Conjunctivochalasis.  Once I saw that there actually were folds of extra tissue sitting under my lid, I decided that the procedure recommended to me was necessary.  I was honestly surprised at how amazing the results were.  The constant irritation and redness ended immediately.  The entire process was quick and painless and now I can see and feel great.”

What is conjunctivochalasis (CCh)?

Conjunctivochalasis (CCh) (pronounced kun-junk-TI-voh-kal-a-sis) is the sagging and wrinkling of the conjunctiva, which is a clear, thin layer of tissue that surrounds the white part of your eye. When you blink, the wrinkled conjunctiva gets bunched up around the eyelids and rubs up against your eye causing irritation and redness.

What are the symptoms of CCh?

CCh causes constant eye irritation and redness. Blinking makes these symptoms worse. Reading, playing golf, knitting, or other activities that require looking down for a long time also make the irritation and redness worse. Excess tearing and mucous formation in the morning can also be symptoms.

What causes CCh?

As we age, our eye surface tissue loosens and wrinkles like the tissue in the rest of our body. Previous eye surgeries can also affect the conjunctiva causing CCh.

How is CCh treated?

Prescription eye drops and lubricants that usually help eye irritation do not provide permanent relief for the symptoms of CCh, so your doctor may recommend surgery to correct your CCh.
CCh surgery is performed in an outpatient setting under local or topical anesthesia. Your surgeon will remove the wrinkled, loose conjunctiva tissue during surgery, and then cover the area with AmnioGraft® to help your eye heal quickly without wrinkles.

What is AmnioGraft®?

AmnioGraft® is an amniotic membrane tissue graft. Amniotic membrane is a regenerative tissue that is the inner-most lining of the placenta. The natural physical properties of AmnioGraft® are similar to the tissue that covers the white of your eye. AmnioGraft® also has therapeutic actions that help relieve pain, reduce scarring, reduce inflammation, reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Are there any risks associated with AmnioGraft®?

AmnioGraft® is a safe, effective treatment provided by a tissue bank regulated by the FDA. The tissue has passed rigorous quality control steps before being released for use. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about the risks of receiving a human tissue transplant.

What can I expect after surgery?

After surgery, the eye will be patched overnight. Your doctor may prescribe topical drops and/or ointments to help your eye heal. There may be some discomfort during the first few days after surgery, but you will be able to resume full activity within 48 hours. Your eye should heal within two to three weeks.

Are there any risks involved?

There are risks associated with all surgical procedures and you should discuss the risks of CCh surgery with your doctor.

Ask your physician today about using AmnioGraft® to treat your conjunctivochalasis.