A private amniotic membrane graft for severe dry eye costs from £1,800 to £2,800 per application at Eye Surgery Clinic, all-inclusive of the consultant cornea and ocular surface assessment, the amniotic membrane product, the in-clinic or minor-theatre application and a structured 6–12 week follow-up. Severe cases routinely need 1–3 sequential applications, so a full pathway typically totals £3,500–£7,500.
What is an amniotic membrane graft?
The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta — collagen-rich, avascular and almost immunologically silent, carrying a concentrated reservoir of anti-inflammatory cytokines, anti-fibrotic factors, epithelial growth factors and antimicrobial peptides. Placed on a damaged ocular surface, it acts at once as a biological dressing, a substrate for epithelial migration and a slow-release biological pharmacy. UK practice uses three formats: a cryopreserved self-retained ring (Prokera) the cornea sits behind like a contact lens; a freeze-dried disc (Omnigen, AmbioDisk) held by a bandage contact lens; and a stretched sheet sutured or fibrin-glued onto the cornea in a minor theatre.
In severe dry eye the AM graft is the right next step when the surface has progressed beyond intensive lubrication, autologous serum drops, scleral lenses, anti-inflammatory drops and lid-disease control such as LipiFlow, IPL and Xdemvy lotilaner. Typical indications are a persistent epithelial defect not closing within 10–14 days of maximal therapy, a neurotrophic keratopathy stage 2 or 3 ulcer, recalcitrant filamentary keratitis, or autoimmune ocular surface breakdown (Sjögren syndrome, mucous membrane pemphigoid, Stevens–Johnson sequelae).
Amniotic membrane graft prices
Private amniotic membrane grafting is priced per application. Each tier covers the consultant assessment, anterior segment imaging, the membrane product, the application, a bandage contact lens where appropriate and the structured 6–12 week follow-up.
Severe and recalcitrant disease routinely needs 1–3 sequential applications, with a full pathway typically totalling £3,500–£7,500. Where lid disease is driving the surface breakdown, the graft is paired with LipiFlow and IPL. Related cornea pricing is on our DMEK corneal transplant page, and the wider price list covers every procedure.
Not sure whether a graft is the right next step? A consultant cornea and ocular surface assessment will tell you, with full surface imaging and a clear quote.
Book a severe dry eye assessmentWhat’s included in the price
Each amniotic membrane graft package is all-inclusive and covers:
- Consultant cornea and ocular surface assessment — full dry eye history, symptom scores, Schirmer, tear breakup time, surface staining and corneal sensation testing
- Anterior segment imaging — OCT to map the defect, slit-lamp photography and meibography of the lid margin
- The amniotic membrane product — cryopreserved ring, freeze-dried disc or sutured sheet, from accredited tissue establishments with serology screening and traceability
- The application — in-clinic under topical anaesthesia or in minor theatre under local anaesthesia, with a bandage contact lens where appropriate
- Structured 6–12 week follow-up — serial reviews with photography and OCT defect mapping, plus a maintenance pathway
Amniotic membrane grafting for a documented epithelial defect or neurotrophic keratopathy is medically indicated and is usually covered by UK private insurers with pre-authorisation — see our guidance for insured patients. Self-pay stage payment for sequential applications is available via our finance options.
Are you a candidate?
The AM graft is a biological rescue procedure for the breakdown stages of severe dry eye. Good candidates have:
- A persistent corneal epithelial defect not closing within 10–14 days of intensive medical therapy
- A neurotrophic keratopathy stage 2 or stage 3 ulcer
- Recalcitrant filamentary keratitis despite intensive lubrication and lid-disease control
- Severe Sjögren, mucous membrane pemphigoid or Stevens–Johnson ocular surface breakdown
- Severe MGD-driven exposure keratopathy with surface breakdown despite IPL, LipiFlow and lid-disease control
Mild or moderate evaporative dry eye without breakdown is better treated first with lid-disease control. Active microbial keratitis must be controlled before a biological dressing is placed. The graft addresses the surface but does not cure the underlying systemic disease — lifelong maintenance is essential.