Next Gen NYC star Emira D’Spain explained that when her chronic dry eyes led to tiny tears in her cornea, her ophthalmologist suggested what she now calls the “craziest” treatment she’s ever heard of. The solution? A therapeutic lens made from amniotic membrane — a donated tissue derived from the innermost layer of the placenta, known for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties.
The model and beauty content creator, known for breaking barriers in fashion and social media, described the treatment as “like a giant contact” worn over the eye. Though slightly uncomfortable, she emphasized that the experience was painless and, more importantly, extremely effective. “I could not be happier,” D’Spain shared with genuine relief. In her words, this unconventional remedy changed everything — not just for her vision but also for her quality of life.
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What Is Amniotic Membrane Therapy and Why Is It Gaining Popularity?
Amniotic membrane therapy isn’t new, but it’s certainly gaining more public attention — especially now that someone like Emira D’Spain is talking about it. This treatment involves applying a specially preserved layer of the amniotic membrane directly to the eye’s surface, typically using a ring or lens-like device that holds it in place.
Why It Works So Well:
Natural healing properties: The amniotic membrane is packed with growth factors, anti-inflammatory proteins, and stem cells that promote healing.
Non-invasive: It doesn’t require surgery and can often be done in an outpatient clinic.
Wide applicability: It’s used for everything from dry eye syndrome and corneal ulcers to chemical burns and surgical recovery.
This type of therapy is especially useful for individuals who, like D’Spain, suffer from severe dry eye disease — a condition that affects over 16 million Americans, according to the National Eye Institute.
Emira D’Spain’s Dry Eye Struggles: More Than Just an Irritation
For many, dry eyes are a mild annoyance. But for D’Spain, the condition escalated into a more serious issue: micro-tears on her cornea, which caused pain, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light. As someone constantly in front of cameras, lighting, and makeup, this wasn’t just a discomfort — it was a professional roadblock.
“It was affecting my work, my ability to wear makeup, even just going outside,” she revealed. After conventional treatments like artificial tears, lubricating gels, and omega-3 supplements failed to deliver lasting results, she was ready to try something entirely new.
Her eye doctor introduced her to PROKERA®, a well-known form of amniotic membrane therapy, often described as a “biologic bandage.” It not only shields the cornea but also stimulates epithelial healing — something no artificial tear can offer.
What Makes This “Crazy” Treatment So Effective? The Science Behind It
The amniotic membrane is derived from donated placental tissue collected during planned cesarean sections. After extensive screening and processing, it’s transformed into a thin, translucent membrane rich in collagen, cytokines, and growth factors. These components make it uniquely suited for regenerating damaged eye tissue.
In Emira’s case, the tissue acted like a biological scaffold, allowing her corneal cells to repair themselves naturally. Unlike synthetic eye patches or gels, this method integrates seamlessly with the body’s own healing mechanisms. While it might sound unusual, clinical data backs it up:
A study in Cornea journal (2020) found that 82% of patients with severe dry eye saw “marked improvement” after one round of amniotic membrane therapy.
Healing time can be as fast as 3 to 5 days, with noticeable symptom relief within 24 to 48 hours.
Who Can Benefit from Amniotic Membrane Therapy?
Although originally developed for more extreme ocular surface diseases, this treatment is becoming increasingly popular among:
Content creators and models who wear heavy makeup daily
Contact lens wearers with chronic irritation
Older adults experiencing age-related tear dysfunction
LASIK and PRK patients for post-operative healing
Autoimmune disease sufferers with ocular involvement (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome)
The cost of treatment can vary but is often covered by insurance when deemed medically necessary — especially in cases where conventional treatments have failed.
Patient Experience: Is It Really Painless Like Emira Claims?
While “crazy” might describe how unconventional the treatment sounds, those who’ve tried it — including D’Spain — report that it’s actually not painful. At most, patients feel a mild foreign body sensation, similar to having a large contact lens on the eye.
Common patient feedback includes:
Mild discomfort for 24–48 hours
Slight blurriness while wearing the membrane
Immediate relief from stinging, burning, or gritty sensations once removed
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For Emira, the payoff was more than worth it: “It felt weird, but it didn’t hurt. And honestly, it’s been a total game-changer.”
Could This Be the Future of Eye Care? What Experts Are Saying
According to Dr. Alice Epitropoulos, a dry eye specialist at The Eye Center of Columbus, “We’re entering a new era in eye care where biologic materials — not synthetic drugs — are becoming the first line of treatment.” And with more celebrities like Emira D’Spain bringing visibility to such therapies, public interest is growing fast.
Key Takeaways from the Expert Community:
FDA-approved options like PROKERA® are safe, well-tested, and effective.
Ongoing clinical trials are exploring its use in pediatric care, glaucoma-related surface damage, and post-cancer ocular therapy.
Success stories in the beauty and entertainment industries are helping de-stigmatize tissue-based treatments.
Final Thoughts: Emira’s Advocacy Could Spark a Health Revolution
For many, hearing about amniotic tissue used on eyes might seem unsettling at first. But thanks to influencers like Emira D’Spain, the conversation is changing. She’s not only shedding light on a unique medical solution but also breaking down stigmas around using donated biological materials for health and wellness.
Her experience serves as a reminder that sometimes the most effective treatments are the ones we least expect — and that science, when fused with personal courage and medical innovation, can bring about profound transformation.
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