Chronic, Severe Dry Eyes
Serum Eye Drops Prepared in Town & Country Compounding’s Sterile Compounding Labs are a Unique, Personalized Option
Health providers often prescribe autologous serum eye drop medication, a unique and natural approach for dry eyes, when a patient has a chronic problem without relief from other options. This customized eye drop, made from the patient’s own blood, is tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual, making it a fascinating option.
Common causes of dry eyes
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, including a natural decline in tear production, which can contribute to the discomfort of dry eyes.
Hormonal fluctuations, menopause, or hormonal imbalances can impact tear production and eye moisture levels.
Autoimmune conditions can also play a role in the development of dry eyes. From diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis to autoimmune disorders like Sjogren’s syndrome, these conditions may impact tear production, emphasizing the importance of holistic health management for optimal eye wellness.
Blinking is a very important function for our eyes. Our eyelids play a crucial role in distributing tears across the eye’s surface with each blink. Issues such as incomplete blinking or eyelid abnormalities like ectropion or entropion can disrupt this natural process, contributing to dryness and discomfort.
Environmental influences in our surroundings can significantly impact eye moisture. Dry or windy climates, combined with smoke exposure and indoor heating or air conditioning, create environments that challenge our eyes’ ability to maintain proper hydration.
Certain medications can inadvertently lead to dry eyes as a side effect. Antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants are among the culprits known to reduce tear production, necessitating careful management and awareness.
What is autologous serum eye drop medication?
Autologous means the donor and the recipient are the same, and autologous serum contains a variety of natural components, such as growth factors, vitamins, and proteins. These elements are not only safe but also effective in nourishing and protecting the surface of the eye. The composition of autologous serum closely resembles that of natural tears, making it an excellent option for lubricating the eyes and hopefully providing some relief from dryness and discomfort. It acts as an anti-inflammatory since blood serum contains factors that can help reduce inflammation on the eye’s surface, which is often associated with dry eye syndrome. Unlike many commercial eye drops, autologous serum eye drops do not contain preservatives, making them suitable for long-term use without the risk of further irritation.
How is a patient’s serum collected?
The patient will go to a lab where some of their blood will be collected. Red blood cells and clotting factors are centrifuged and removed, leaving behind blood serum. The serum is then sent to our pharmacy, where it will be diluted with a preservative-free solution. This customized eye drop is unique to the patient and contains many important growth factors and nutrients normally found in healthy tears.
Since blood and tears have almost identical salinity and pH, burning or stinging upon usage is not a problem. Because they are preservative-free, the eye drops are stored in the freezer until needed. (Source: clevelandclinic.org).
For patient and prescribing information
Autologous Serum Eye Drops (ASED)
The eye drops in this case are made from your own blood. Red blood cells and clotting factors are removed, leaving behind blood serum. This is diluted with a sterile, preservative-free solution to produce a tear substitute that is unique to the patient and contains many important growth factors and nutrients normally found in healthy tears.
A Prescription is Required.
