Exploring the Benefits of Serum Tears: A Revolutionary Treatment for Dry Eye Disease

If you have ever experienced or are currently experiencing dry eye disease, you know the frustration - gritty, burning eyes, blurry vision and discomfort among many other symptoms that just don't go away. While artificial tears offer temporary relief, they are often not sufficient for those with moderate to severe symptoms. That is where serum tears come in - a more personalized and natural approach to treating dry eyes.

Autologous serum tears are eye drops made from a patient's own blood. A sample of the patient's blood is collected and sent to a lab. At the lab, different components of the blood are separated. The part of the blood that is used in making these eyedrops is called "serum" and it is diluted with sterile saline. Autologous serum tears range in concentration from 20-50%, with higher concentrations containing more serum and less saline. Serum tears contain an increased concentration of biological components found in natural tears such as epidermal growth factor which promotes healing, vitamin A which is essential for ocular surface health and fibronectin which helps in cell repair. Components in the serum also have anti-inflammatory properties which further aid in improving dry eye symptoms.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) tears are another variation of serum tears. Similar to autologous serum tears, PRP tears also contain nutrients and growth factors that are not found in artificial lubricating drops. The growth factors that PRP tears contain are derived from platelets, which differentiates them from autologous serum tears which do not contain platelets. This makes PRP tears a superior option for dry eye treatment as they contain a higher concentration of growth factors and other platelet-derived factors which are essential for ocular surface health. Unlike autologous serum tears, PRP tears are not diluted with saline.

Serum tears are dispensed in vials that must be stored in the freezer until needed. Once in use, the vials should be kept in the refrigerator, and each vial can be used for up to 7 days. Unopened vials can typically remain frozen for up to 6 months. The cost of serum tears typically ranges from approximately $100 to $300 per month. PRP tears are generally more expensive than autologous serum tears.

Serum tears turn your body's own healing power into a personalized remedy for dry eye disease. Their ability to mimic natural tears separates them from artificial tears which are often water-based. They are safe, preservative free, unlikely to cause allergic reactions and have demonstrated high efficacy. When standard therapies fall short, this innovative therapy can offer real, lasting relief. Talk to your eye doctor - because the answer to your dry eye struggles might already be flowing through your veins.Write your text here...

Written by Midwestern Intern c/o 2024 Harshpreet Ballagan