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PRP Eye drops for when it seems you've tried everything

Dry Eye Syndrome can be a frustrating complex problem with multiple factors to consider. When simple lubrication and expensive medications aren't working, custom  autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (aPRP) eye drops can offer a regenerative healing for the ocular surface. 
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Click here now to Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Johnson
Autologous PRP is processed from your own blood has about 18 different naturally occurring growth and healing proteins, hormones, and cytokines that offer you an opportunity to finally get relief from your dry eye symptoms. The studies (just a few below) prove it. Dr. Johnson is one of a very few ophthalmologists that offer the local processing of your own Platelet Rich Plasma and same day (same appointment) service right here in the office. 

COMMON CAUSES OF DRY EYE:​

  • Age: Dry eyes are a part of the natural aging process. The majority of people over age 65 experience some symptoms of dry eyes.

  • Gender: Women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives and menopause.

  • Medications: Certain medicines, including antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.

  • Medical conditions: People with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Sjogren's Syndrome, and thyroid problems are more likely to have symptoms of dry eyes. Also, problems with inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis), inflammation of the surfaces of the eye, or the inward or outward turning of eyelids can cause dry eyes to develop.

  • Environmental conditions: Exposure to smoke, wind and dry climates can increase tear evaporation resulting in dry eye symptoms. Failure to blink regularly, such as when staring at a computer screen for long periods of time, can also contribute to drying of the eyes.

  • Other factors: Long-term use of contact lenses can be a factor in the development of dry eyes. Eyelid surgeries can sometimes prevent full closure of the eye lids. Refractive eye surgeries, such as LASIK, can decrease tear production and contribute to dry eyes.

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TRADITIONAL TREATMENTS FOR DRY EYE

The artificial tears for dry eye are essentially bland physical lubricants but can provide some temporary relief for many. There are other approaches to dry eye such as punctal plugs placed to block the tear drainage ducts. 

There is a common model of chronic dry eye blaming it on inflammation occurring on the ocular surface. For that, a medication originally developed to suppress the immune system after organ transplant is used. Restasis (cyclosporin) and Xiidra (lifitegrast) can reduce inflammation and improve symptoms, but it must be used indefinitely and it is expensive.

Another approach to dry eye is helpful for those with eyelid oil glands colonized with common skin bacteria which changes the quality of the oil layer of the tear film. Hot compresses and eyelid scrubs can help with this Meibomium Gland Dysfunction

None of these efforts have the same potential to actually heal the ocular surface like autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (aPRP)
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WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

The exam/evaluation and processing and delivery of the aPRP eyedrops can be done on the same day. We will want to know about your general health and any medications (general and eye drops) you currently take. Also, what you and your eye doctor(s) have tried in the past to bring relief. If you are candidate, Dr. Johnson will draw 2-3 small tubes of blood and process them to concentrate the platelets and separate them from the red blood cells. This will be diluted appropriately in a saline electrolyte solution and placed into multiple small (5ml) eye dropper bottles. Depending on whether you are treating one of both eyes, the supply will last about 4+ months when administered 3 times a day. If you are not relieved of dryness and irritation by then, we can repeat the process.

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Custom PRP eye drops are intended for you, the intended patient only and can not be shared. Do not expose to heat or keep in direct sunlight. Ideally, when home, you can keep them in the refrigerator.

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Your PRP eyedrops contain no medication, preservatives, or chemicals that you might adversely react to.

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WHAT DOES IT COST?

We recommend 2-4 months of treatment applying drops 3 times per day. The amount amount of drops supplied will last about 4+ months if treating both eyes. You are provided several small 3 or 5ml bottles. The extras can be refrigerated or frozen to maintain biologic activity of the platelets. The eye drops are processed (in office) provided for you on the same day at the appointment visit.

Initial visit and evaluation fee: (waived)

Treatment and same-day supply: $400 (draw blood, process to separate & concentrate plasma, compounded into multiple sterile eye-dropper bottles).

Click here now to Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Johnson

CONSUMER / PATIENT ORIENTED REFERENCES

1. Is Platelet-Rich Plasma an Effective Healing Therapy? Carina Storrs, Scientific American. December 18, 2009 {view article HERE }

MEDICAL / TECHNICAL ORIENTED REFERENCES

1. Marina Viegas Moura Rezende Ribeiro, Eurica Adélia Nogueira Ribeiro, and Luiz Feliciano Ribeiro, “The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dry Eye Disease,” in Plasma Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Applications, ed. Yusuf Tutar and Lutfi Tutar (IntechOpen, 2018), accessed January 27, 2020, doi: 10.5772/intechopen.76090

2. Eye platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of ocular surface disorders, Jorge L. Alió,  et. al. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology, no. 4 (2015): 325-32, accessed December 9, 2019, doi: 10.1097/ICU.0000000000000169

3. Treatment of Dry Eye Disease with Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Prospective, Interventional, Non-Randomized Study. Alio, Jorge L., et. al., Ophthalmol Ther (2017) 6:285-293 {view article HERE}

4. Efficacy and safety of treatment of hyposecretory dry eye with platelet-rich plasma, Garcia-Concha, Victor, et. al.,  Acta Ophthamologica 2019, e170-179 {view article HERE}

5. Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Eye Drops for the Treatment of Post-LASIK Chronic Ocular Surface Syndrome, Alio, Jorge, et. al., Hindawi Journal of Ophthalmology, Volume 2017, article ID 245620: p1-6 {view article HERE}

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