Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet Rich Plasma, also known as “PRP,” is a treatment which uses a person’s own blood. 20-60cc of blood is drawn from the patient. This is a relatively small amount compared to blood donation which removes 500cc. The blood is spun down in a special centrifuge (according to standard Harvest Techniques approved by the FDA) to separate its components (Red Blood Cells, Platelet Rich Plasma, and Plasma). The platelet rich plasma is first separated then activated with a small amount of calcium to allow the release of growth factors from the platelets which in turn amplifies the healing process. These growth factors are responsible for cell growth, collagen production, cell adhesion and the healing of corneal and conjunctival cells. 

BENEFITS of PRP:  Along with the benefit of using your own blood product and eliminating the possibility of an allergic response, platelets are considered tiny powerhouses for healing damaged tissue. By using PRP as eye drops, we are not only providing a high concentration of healing growth factors, but also cytokines and proteins that help reduce inflammation, prevent infections and have natural analgesic actions to reduce pain. PRP eye drops have been shown to be effective in the treatment of moderate to severe dry eye disease (both evaporative and aqueous deficient) including neuropathic and LASIK induced dry eye disease.  Studies have also shown that PRP drops promote the healing of corneal ulcers and reduce the frequency of recurrent corneal erosions.

PRP VS. AUTOLOGOUS SERUM:  Both are blood-based products, however autologous serum eye drops (ASED) are considered platelet -poor since platelets are actually eliminated in the process of making it. As a result, autologous serum has significantly lower growth factors when compared to PRP. In contrast, PRP contains 2.5x to 8x the concentration of platelets found in whole blood.  Another difference between ASED and PRP is that the former can contain inflammatory cytokines, which can harm the ocular surface of patients with active autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s Syndrome. In addition, ASED is often diluted with saline which dilutes the concentration of healing factors and increases the risk for allergic sensitivities.