Utilizing Biologics for Dry Eye Management

Okay, we admit, amniotic membranes sound a bit sci-fi. But these thin, tissue-like layers
(derived from donated healthy C-section Mothers’ amniotic tissues) are super effective at
healing the surface of your eyes. They are rich in nutrients and healing properties.  Amniotic
membranes truly give your eyes the TLC they desperately need.  At our clinic we use
cryopreserved amniotic membranes(such as Prokera or CAM360).  This is a specific type that
helps preserve the biological components and growth factors found in the tissue.

How It Works for Dry Eyes

• Healing Properties: The membranes are rich in nutrients and healing properties.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: They help reduce inflammation and promote the
  regeneration of healthy corneal tissue.
• Stubborn Cases: This treatment is particularly effective for patients dealing with
  stubborn, chronic dry eyes that have not responded well to artificial tears or prescription
  drops.

Application

In a clinical setting, a cryopreserved amniotic membrane is typically placed on the eye like a
large bandage contact lens or the membrane may be held by a ring. It remains in the eye for
several days, allowing the eye to absorb the healing factors before the remaining membrane is
removed by a doctor.

Serum Drops: Autologous, PRGF, and PRP

Autologous Serum Drops: Made from your own blood serum.  These drops mimic
natural tears, providing soothing relief and regenerative properties.

Introduction

Living with chronic dry eyes can be frustrating and uncomfortable– it can cause burning,
stinging, redness, and the constant feeling like there’s something in your eye. While over-the-
counter artificial tears offer temporary relief, they often fall short for people with severe or
persistent symptoms. That’s where autologous serum tears (AST) come in—a highly
personalized and biologically compatible treatment that’s changing the game in dry eye therapy.

What Are Autologous Serum Tears?

Autologous serum tears are eye drops made from a patient’s own blood serum. Unlike artificial
tears, which are synthetic lubricants, ASTs contain natural components such as growth factors,
vitamins, and antibodies found in blood serum that closely mimic the composition of human
tears.

How Are They Made?

• 1. A small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn.
• 2. The blood is then processed in a sterile environment to separate the serum from the
  blood cells.
• 3. The serum is diluted—typically to 20% or 40% with a sterile saline or artificial tear
  solution—and placed into sterile dropper bottles.
• 4. These drops are stored in a refrigerator or freezer and can be used four to six times a
  day.

Why Use Your Own Blood?

The key advantage of using your own serum is biocompatibility. Since the tears are made from your own body, there’s virtually no risk (or little) of allergic reaction or rejection. Plus, the growth
factors and nutrients in serum promote healing of the ocular surface, something artificial tears
cannot do.

Who Can Benefit?

Autologous serum tears are often recommended for patients with:

• Severe dry eye syndrome
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Graft-versus-host disease
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Neurotrophic keratitis
• Persistent epithelial defects

Clinical Benefits

Studies have shown that AST can significantly improve both the signs and symptoms of dry eye
disease. Benefits include:

• Improved tear film stability
• Reduced corneal staining
• Enhanced epithelial healing
• Long-lasting symptom relief

What to Expect

AST is not an instant fix. It may take several weeks to months of regular use to notice
significant improvement. Patients should also be aware that these drops require careful
handling and storage to maintain sterility and efficacy.

Access and Cost

Autologous serum tears aren’t widely available at every pharmacy. They’re typically prepared in
specialized compounding pharmacies or eye clinics. Because they’re considered a biologic
product and not an FDA-approved drug, insurance coverage can be limited.

Conclusion

Autologous serum tears represent a major step forward in the treatment of chronic dry eye,
especially for patients who haven’t found relief with traditional therapies. By harnessing the
healing properties of your own body, AST provides a safe, effective, and customized approach
to eye care.

If you’re struggling with severe dry eye and standard treatments aren’t working, talk to your eye
care provider to see if autologous serum tears could be right for you.

If AST drops do not offer enough relief, there is also PRGF and PRP Drops which involve
a blood draw as well (more to come in another post):

• PRGF Drops: Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (another blood-based miracle) enhances
  healing and regenerates eye tissue, making your eyes happier faster.
• PRP Drops: Platelet-Rich Plasma takes healing to the next level, ideal if your dry eyes
  are coupled with more severe ocular surface damage.

-Jean Mengoli, OD