Serum tears are a specialized type of eye drop derived directly from a patient’s own blood. These unique drops are specifically formulated to address severe and persistent ocular surface conditions that often do not respond to conventional treatments like artificial tears. They offer a personalized approach to eye care, utilizing the body’s natural healing components to promote eye health and alleviate discomfort.
What Makes Serum Tears Unique
Serum tears stand apart from standard artificial tears due to their complex biological composition, which closely mimics natural human tears. They contain a rich array of beneficial components, including various growth factors like epidermal growth factor (EGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), which stimulate cell migration, proliferation, and nerve regeneration, promoting healing and improved corneal sensitivity.
Proteins like albumin and fibronectin also contribute to lubrication, provide antioxidant properties, and aid in cell repair. These natural substances, unlike over-the-counter artificial tears, help reduce inflammation and support the eye’s healing processes, offering more than just temporary symptom relief.
How Serum Tears Are Prepared
The preparation of serum tears begins with a blood draw from the patient, similar to a routine blood test. This typically involves collecting a small amount of blood, often less than a pint, from the patient’s arm. The blood sample clots for 30 to 120 minutes.
After clotting, the blood undergoes centrifugation, spun at high speeds (1500-3000g for 5-15 minutes) to separate components. This separates the clear, yellowish serum from the red blood cells and other solid elements. The extracted serum is then diluted with a sterile, preservative-free solution, such as saline, to achieve a specific concentration, often ranging from 20% to 50%. The diluted serum is then dispensed into sterile eye dropper bottles.
Conditions Addressed by Serum Tears
Serum tears are frequently prescribed for severe ocular surface conditions that have not responded adequately to other treatments. They address chronic severe dry eye disease, especially when conventional treatments are insufficient. Serum tears improve symptoms like irritation, burning, and blurry vision by providing nutrients that support tear production and stability.
They are also used for persistent epithelial defects, which are non-healing sores on the corneal surface, as the growth factors within serum tears aid in cellular regeneration and wound healing. Neurotrophic keratitis, with its reduced corneal sensation and impaired healing, benefits from nerve growth factors that help regenerate damaged corneal nerves. Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, which cause severe dry eye and corneal damage, also find relief from serum tears’ anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
They are also used for ocular complications from systemic conditions like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which cause widespread inflammation and ocular surface damage. Post-surgical complications, such as severe dry eye after LASIK or corneal transplants, can also be managed with these drops to promote healing and reduce discomfort. Their broad healing and anti-inflammatory effects make them a versatile option for various challenging eye surface disorders.
Using and Storing Serum Tears
Serum tears are typically administered by applying drops directly to the eye, with the frequency determined by a healthcare provider, often ranging from 2 to 6 times per day depending on the condition’s severity. Avoid direct contact between the dropper tip and the eye or any surface to prevent contamination. Patients generally receive a supply of multiple small vials.
Proper storage maintains the drops’ stability and sterility, as they are preservative-free. Unopened vials should be stored in a freezer, where they can remain stable for up to 3 to 6 months from preparation. Once a vial is thawed for use, it should be kept refrigerated and typically used within 7 days, or up to 30 days depending on the specific compounding instructions, and should not be refrozen. Adhere strictly to storage and usage instructions from your doctor or pharmacy for effectiveness and safety.
Important Considerations for Patients
A thorough eye examination and diagnosis by an ophthalmologist are necessary before starting treatment. Serum tears are considered when conventional treatments have not provided sufficient relief for severe ocular surface conditions. Treatment plans are individualized, tailored to the patient’s condition and response, requiring ongoing medical supervision.
Serum tears are not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for dry eye disease and are often not covered by health insurance. The cost can vary, ranging from approximately $100 to $300 per month, or potentially higher depending on the preparation facility and supply duration. Patients should discuss potential out-of-pocket expenses and any concerns with their healthcare provider.