Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Ocular Surface Disease in Animals: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is increasingly used to treat ocular surface diseases (OSDs) in animals, including corneal ulcers and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). However, existing studies lack rigorous evaluation of efficacy and safety. This systematic review assesses the quality, outcomes, and therapeutic benefits of PRP in veterinary ophthalmology. Methods: A systematic review (January 2013-December 2023) of experimental and clinical studies in animals treated with PRP was conducted. From 126 records, 14 studies met inclusion criteria (rabbits, dogs). Outcomes included corneal healing, inflammation, and symptom relief. Results: PRP showed significant benefits: improved corneal healing (12/14 studies), reduced edema/vascularization (9/14 studies), and decreased pain/inflammation (5/14). However, a high risk of bias (10/14 studies), small sample sizes (median n = 20), and inconsistent PRP protocols (i.e., unreported platelet concentrations in 7/14 studies) limit conclusions. Conclusions: Despite promising results, PRP cannot yet be recommended as standard care due to methodological limitations. Future studies must standardize PRP preparation, such as centrifugation protocols, and platelet counts, prioritize randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and report adverse effects transparently.