[AUTOLOGOUS SERUM AS A TREATMENT FOR THE OCULAR SURFACE DISEASE].

Abstract

Introduction: The autologous serum drops treatment is an advanced, effective and safe treatment for severe dry eye and recurrent epithelial erosions. It contains growth factors, proteins, and vitamins, similar to the tear layer. In a recent review by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, many studies included showed a significant effect of serum drops in treating dry eye and recurrent epithelial erosions. Notwithstanding the above, to date, no randomized controlled clinical trials have investigated the effectiveness of autologous serum drops. Moreover, serum drops concoction has strict regulations, and in Israel, it is available in a small handful of hospitals, which causes limited accessibility to this valuable treatment. Precautions must be taken when using serum drops to avoid bottle contamination and infections during storage.