Eye treatment using amniotic membrane derived from placenta:Applied to 13 patients injured by carbide guns at AIIMS; cost ₹250 per patient

At AIIMS, the eyesight of 13 patients has been restored using the umbilical cord (placenta) of newborns. The cord, which forms the amniotic membrane protecting unborn babies and was once discarded after delivery, is now being used to treat severe eye diseases. While private hospitals charge Rs 40,000–Rs 70,000 for this procedure, AIIMS offers it free for Ayushman patients and at just Rs 250 for non-Ayushman patients. According to AIIMS, all 13 patients had eye injuries caused by carbide guns. Two were discharged on Wednesday, bringing the total number of discharged patients to 12. Case reached the hospital last week
A 12-year-old boy recently reached AIIMS Bhopal for treatment despite a state-wide ban on carbide guns under CM Dr. Mohan Yadav’s orders. Doctors said 11-year-old Raja from Narmadapuram was admitted on October 29 with an eye injury caused by a carbide gun, and an amniotic membrane was applied to treat him. 80% vision returned in 15 days Eyesight saved by membrane of mother’s womb
The amniotic membrane is the same membrane that comes out of the womb during childbirth. It has now become a new hope for saving eyesight. Doctors say that this ‘living bandage’ helps in healing wounds and maintaining the transparency of the eye. What is Amniotic Membrane? Treatment with stem cells too
Under the research, patients who arrive late for treatment or whose eyes are severely affected and do not benefit from amniotic membrane grafting. Such patients are treated with a simple limbal epithelial transplantation process. In this, stem cells are extracted from the healthy eye and implanted into the injured eye. This also eliminates the need for cornea transplants for patients.