Dry eye syndrome is a common eye condition that occurs when your tears aren't able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. It can cause redness, irritation, discharge, and eye fatigue. If left untreated it can damage your corneas. While lubricating drops and artificial tears help the majority of patients, others continue to look for relief, especially if they have severe dry eye syndrome. Autologous serum eye drops (ASED) are a possible treatment for stubborn cases of dry eye.
What are Autologous Serum Eye Drops?
Autologous means that the recipient and donor are the same person. Therefore, Autologous Serum Eye Drops (ASED) are made from a person’s own blood.
ASEDs are not tear substitutes. They are often used alongside other dry eye treatments such as lubricating eye drops, artificial tears and in-office treatments.
ASEDs consist of elements that artificial tears can’t replicate, making them highly effective and well-tolerated. They promote healing and healthy growth of the ocular surface and contain Vitamin A, albumin, antibodies and special growth factors, known as epidermal growth factors, important for healthy eyes.
How are Autologous Serum Eye Drops Made?
Autologous serum eye drops are made by drawing a tiny amount of blood from a patient into a sterile tube, allowing the blood to clot for at least 10 hours.
For 15 minutes, the blood is then spun allowing it to separate. The blood serum is collected and combined with sterile saline. It is then divided into a few small dropper bottles. According to the severity of your dry eye, the serum to saline ratio will vary. Like other eye drops, the serum is clear.
This process of creating the drops takes up to three hours. Several months’ supply of drops are received, depending on your dosing frequency.
The eye drops are placed in the freezer for up to 6 months to remove the risk of growing harmful microorganisms and maintain optimal freshness.
The serum drops consist of certain growth factors and nutrients that may be missing in very dry eyes.
If you have been frustrated trying to find relief for your dry eye, consider ASED. Contact Advanced Eyecare Center in Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach to learn more about ASED and how they can change the way you see.
At Advanced Eyecare Center, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 310-620-1345 or book an appointment online to see one of our Manhattan Beach eye doctors.
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