Dr. Jay Pepose was the first in the entire nation to perform an amniotic membrane transplant. This type of surgical intervention may be performed in situations in which spontaneous healing of the surface of the cornea fails to occur, such as in cases of chemical burns, or where the cornea is severely infected. It is not the procedure of choice when the cornea is severely damaged, such as when a perforation occurs. The amniotic membrane, which surrounds the fetus in the womb, is a unique source of ‘biological dressing’ that has been used in wound healing for decades. These membranes appear to contain large amounts of growth factors (which encourage tissue regeneration), as well as anti-bacterial and anti-scarring properties. They are especially useful as tissue grafts because they do not encourage autoimmune rejection (as happens in organ transplant, for example). Amniotic membrane transplants have also been successful in promoting the growth of corneal tissue and in preventing corneal scarring. Within two months, the amniotic membrane tissue “dissolves,” leaving healed corneal tissue in its stead. The amniotic membrane is “harvested” at the time that a baby is born, when it is no longer needed to sustain the baby. In this way, the miracle of birth can provide the miracle of sight to our cornea patients.