Prokera typically stays in the eye for 3 to 7 days, though the exact duration depends on which version your doctor uses and how quickly your eye absorbs the amniotic membrane tissue. The device is FDA-approved to remain in the eye for up to eight weeks, but most patients have their ring removed well before that.
How Long the Membrane Lasts on Your Eye
The amniotic membrane in a standard Prokera device is usually fully absorbed by the cornea in less than a week. In more inflamed or “hot” eyes, the membrane can dissolve in as little as 2 to 3 days. Once the tissue has dissolved, only the plastic ring remains, and your doctor will remove it.
Most doctors schedule a follow-up visit within 5 days of insertion to check progress and determine whether the ring is ready to come out. In some cases, if the membrane dissolves quickly but your eye still needs healing, a second Prokera can be placed right away.
Differences Between Prokera Versions
There are several Prokera products, and they don’t all last the same amount of time:
- Prokera Slim: Has a thinner ring (about half the thickness of the original), designed primarily for comfort. The membrane dissolves on a similar timeline to the standard version.
- Prokera Plus: Contains double layers of amniotic membrane and stays on the eye significantly longer, averaging 7 to 14 days. Doctors use this version for more severe conditions where the cornea needs extended protection.
Your doctor chooses the version based on how damaged your eye surface is. A mild to moderate dry eye flare might call for the Slim, while a persistent corneal wound or chemical burn would more likely warrant the Plus.
What Wearing It Feels Like
Prokera sits in your eye like an oversized contact lens held in place by a small plastic ring that tucks under your eyelids. It’s noticeably less comfortable than a regular contact lens, especially during the first day or two. About 30% of patients in one clinical study reported eye pain or headache during wear. The Slim version was specifically redesigned to reduce this discomfort.
Occasionally the device falls out on its own. Spontaneous extrusion happened in a small number of cases in clinical studies, which is why your doctor will ask you to watch for dislodgement and avoid rubbing your eyes. If it does come out early, contact your eye care provider so they can assess whether you need a replacement.
How Long Results Last After Removal
The healing benefits of Prokera extend well beyond the few days you actually wear it. The amniotic membrane delivers natural anti-inflammatory and growth-promoting proteins directly to the corneal surface while it dissolves. Once the outer layer of the cornea heals, it takes roughly another seven days for the new tissue to form strong adhesions to the layers beneath it.
For dry eye patients specifically, the improvements from a single Prokera treatment can persist for years, not just weeks. This is because the membrane doesn’t simply mask symptoms. It helps reset the inflammatory cycle on the eye surface, allowing healthier tissue to regenerate. That said, chronic conditions like severe dry eye sometimes require repeat treatments over time if the underlying cause remains active.
Shelf Life of the Unopened Device
If you’re a provider or patient wondering about the product before it’s used, Prokera has a shelf life of ; 2 years from the date of manufacture. It must be stored frozen or refrigerated, anywhere from ultra-low freezer temperatures down to standard refrigerator range. The expiration date is printed on the packaging, and the device should not be used past that date since the biological tissue degrades over time.