The Application of Autologous Serum Eye Drops in Severe Dry Eye Patients; Subjective and Objective Parameters Before and After Treatment

• Published in: Current eye research 2014-01, Vol.39 (1), p.21-30
• Main Authors: Jirsova, Katerina, Brejchova, Kristyna, Krabcova, Ivana, Filipec, Martin, Al Fakih, Aref, Palos, Michalis, Vesela, Viera
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Autologous serum; dry eye disease; Dry Eye Syndromes - drug therapy; Dry Eye Syndromes - pathology; epithelial cell density; Epithelium, Corneal - drug effects; Epithelium, Corneal - pathology; Female; goblet cell density; Goblet Cells - drug effects; Goblet Cells - pathology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Ophthalmic Solutions - administration & dosage; Patient Satisfaction; Prospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; squamous metaplasia; Treatment Outcome; Vision Tests; Visual Acuity
• ISSN: 0271-3683; 1460-2202
• DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2013.824987

Abstract Aim: To assess the impact of autologous serum (AS) eye drops on the ocular surface of patients with bilateral severe dry eye and to draw a comparison between the clinical and laboratory examinations and the degree of subjective symptoms before and after serum treatment. Materials and methods: A three-month prospective study was conducted on 17 patients with severe dry eye. AS eye drops were applied a maximum of 12 times a day together with regular therapy. Dry eye status was evaluated by clinical examination (visual acuity, Schirmer test, tear film breakup time, vital staining, tear film debris and meniscus), conjunctival impression cytology (epithelial and goblet cell density, snake-like chromatin, HLA-DR-positive and apoptotic cells) and subjectively by the patients. Results: The application of AS eye drops led to a significant improvement in the Schirmer test (p