Autologous Serum Eye Drops
Also known as Serum Tears, Autologous Blood Serum Drops, Personalized Serum Tears, Blood-Derived Eye Drops, Severe Dry Eye Serum Drops
Bottom Line
Autologous serum eye drops are made from your own blood serum. They are used for severe dry eye or a cornea surface wound that will not heal.
Autologous serum eye drops are made by drawing your blood, separating the serum, and preparing sterile eye drop bottles. The serum contains tear-like proteins and growth factors 1.
Doctors use serum drops for moderate to severe dry eye and some other eye surface disorders. Research reviews show benefit for dry eye signs and symptoms, but study methods vary 2.
These drops need careful preparation, storage, and follow-up. Practice guidelines stress sterile processing and patient education 3.
How They Are Made
Autologous means the drops come from your own body. A blood sample is drawn and spun so the serum separates from the blood cells.
The serum is then diluted or prepared into sterile drop bottles. The exact concentration and process depend on the prescribing doctor and pharmacy 3.
Risks and Storage
Serum drops are made without standard preservatives, so contamination is the main concern. Wash your hands before each dose and do not touch the bottle tip.
Follow the pharmacy label for refrigeration, freezing, expiration, and travel. Throw away any bottle that looks cloudy, changes color, or may be contaminated.
Call your doctor for severe pain, discharge, swelling, allergy symptoms, or a sudden vision drop.
Cost and Insurance
Coverage varies widely because serum drops are custom compounded. Costs depend on blood draw fees, lab processing, bottle count, shipping, and refill schedule.
Ask your clinic which pharmacy they use. Also ask whether your plan covers the blood draw, compounding fee, or dry eye diagnosis visit.
Common Questions About Autologous Serum Eye Drops
Next Steps
- 1Ask your eye doctor whether your surface findings fit serum drops.
- 2Confirm which lab or pharmacy will prepare the drops.
- 3Review cold storage, expiration, and travel instructions before starting.
- 4Wash your hands and avoid touching the bottle tip.
- 5Call your doctor for severe pain, discharge, swelling, or sudden vision change.
Find specialists for Autologous Serum Eye Drops
Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Autologous Serum Eye Drops.
Also relevant