Unveiling the Benefits of Autologous Eye Drops

As a leading dry eye center in Beverly Hills, we're dedicated to providing the most advanced treatments for our patients, including autologous eye drops. For decades, the use of autologous eye drops has proven to be a useful treatment option for patients battling severe dry eye, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Sjogren's syndrome, Herpes/Punctate/Filamentary Keratitis, Recurrent Corneal Erosions (RCE), Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid (OCP), Persistent Corneal Epithelial Defects, Mucus Fishing Syndrome, Post-Eye Surgery complications, and more.

Patient Selection: The First Step Towards Treatment Success

The journey of autologous eye drop therapy begins with identifying suitable patients, such as those experiencing persistent discomfort or complications arising from ocular surface diseases. Starting with a serum concentration between 40% and 75% is generally recommended to ensure an optimal balance between efficacy and tolerability. Subsequent concentration adjustments can be made based on the individual's response to the initial batch.

The Importance of Patience and Consistency in Therapy

It is crucial to emphasize that treatment response may vary. While some patients may experience relief within the first week, others might notice improvement after a month or longer. Each patient's body composition and disease severity significantly impact the treatment outcomes. Autologous eye drops should be viewed not as an instant cure, but a customized, natural treatment tailored to the patient's specific ocular condition. Maintaining patience and consistency in treatment is essential to maximize benefits.

The Process: From Blood Sample to Customized Eye Drops

Once the ideal candidate has been identified, a prescription for serum tears will be sent with the appropriate concentration and frequency of use. Next, the patient will have their blood drawn by a trained and licensed phlebotomist, at either at their residence or in a medical facility. When the blood sample is securely packaged, it is sent for processing.

At the processing center, the blood sample undergoes centrifugation to separate the blood components. The extracted serum or plasma, rich in beneficial elements for eye health, is then diluted with a saline solution to reach the desired concentration.

The processed serum or plasma is converted into eye drops under sterile conditions to ensure safety. Once prepared, the eye drops are carefully packaged and delivered for patient use.

Guidelines and Recommendations for Optimal Results

Patients are initially advised to apply the autologous eye drops two to eight times a day (or as prescribed by the doctor). The frequency of use is commonly based on the severity of the patient’s symptoms and adjustments are based on the individual's progress.

Proper Administration and Storage

To ensure the effectiveness of autologous eye drops, refrigeration is important to maintain the drops' efficacy and prevent contamination. Patients should remember that once a vial is thawed, it must be used within a week to minimize the risk of bacterial infection.

Regular Follow-Ups

Regular follow-ups are essential to assess the effectiveness of autologous eye drops, informing patients that application frequency might need adjusting based on their response and symptom severity. Maintaining clear and open communication throughout the treatment journey ensures our patients feel supported and confident in their care.

The Key to Success

At Beverly Hills Optometry Advanced Dry Eye Center, our philosophy is patient education and empowerment. By providing comprehensive information, guidance, and support, we're setting our patients up for the best possible outcome and a brighter, more comfortable quality of vision and quality of life.