Assessment of the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma injections in the management of severe dry eye

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection into the lacrimal gland in severe dry eye and to compare it with preservative-free artificial tears. Patients and methods This study included a total of 74 eyes of 40 patients divided into two groups. The intervention group received three PRP injections transcutaneously in the region of the lacrimal gland. The control group was treated with preservative-free artificial tears. Results The intervention group showed improvement in all measured parameters, except the Meibomian gland score, with a statistically significant improvement in the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score (P<0.001) and the Schirmer test (P=0.011) and less significant improvement in the ocular surface staining score (P=0.076) and tear breakup time (TBUT) (P=0.09). Compared with the control group, the PRP intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in the OSDI score (P<0.001), the Schirmer test (P=0.005) and the ocular surface staining score (P=0.013) and less significant improvement in TBUT (P=0.2). Conclusion The use of PRP injections is safe and effective, with improvement in the OSDI, Schirmer test, and ocular surface staining and less improvement in TBUT, but it is not effective in improving Meibomian gland function.