Autologous Serum Tears
Autologous serum tears are custom eye drops made from a patient's own blood serum. Autologous serum eye drops provide lubrication and promote epithelial healing. They have been successfully used in the management of ocular surface disorders such as dry eye disease, persistent epithelial defects and neurotrophic keratopathy for many decades. They can be an option for those who are intolerant to preservatives in standard artificial tears.
How Autologous Serum Tears Works
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Mimic natural tears: Autologous serum eye drops are created from your own blood, which contains components that are chemically similar to natural tears, including a balance of proteins, vitamins, and growth factors.
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Promote healing: The drops contain factors that promote the growth and repair of corneal tissue.
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Potential anti-inflammatory benefits: Serum contains cytokines, immunoglobulins, and other proteins that can have anti-inflammatory properties
What to Expect with Autologous Serum Tears
During the Autologous Serum Tears Process
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Blood is drawn: A small amount of your blood is drawn by a phlebotomist.
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Serum is separated: The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the serum, the clear liquid part, from the blood cells.
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Drops are prepared: The serum is then diluted with a sterile, preservative-free saline solution. The final product is put into sterile dropper bottles
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Application: Typically applied several times a day, as directed by your doctor
Immediate and Long-Term Relief
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Many patients notice improvement in symptoms within a few days, and healing continues over the weeks following treatment.