Updated: Jan 13, 2021
Autologous Serum Eye Drops “ASEDs” also known as “Serum Tears” and “AS Tears”
Serum Tears are eye drops made from a patient’s own blood serum. Blood is drawn then processed to remove blood cells and clotting factors leaving behind a clear amber blood serum rich in nutrients. This serum is diluted with a sterile, preservative-free solution to produce a tear substitute that is unique to the patient. Since blood and tears have an almost identical salinity and pH, they are effective, well tolerated, and there is no issue of burning or stinging upon instillation.
Will Autologous Serum Tears Work For Me?
Research shows serum tears are an effective alternative to conventional artificial tear treatments for a variety of dry eye disorders and post surgery recovery situations. When other therapies fail, serum tears may provide an improved quality of life for patients.
Serum tears contain a complex mix of important nurturing properties normally found in healthy tears such as nerve and epithelial growth factors, proteins, antioxidants and lipids, bioactive agents that may promote healthy cell growth and healing of the ocular surface, including albumin and vitamin A, as well as anti-inflammatory mediators well beyond that of commercially manufactured artificial tears.
Research shows Autologous Serum Tears can help with:
Chronic dry eye
Aqueous-deficient dry eye
Improvements in Schirmer’s scores
Goblet and epithelial cell density.
Reduced dependence on artificial tears.
Improving symptoms of ocular surface disorders
Neurotrophic corneal ulcers
Neurotrophic keratitis
Ocular surface disease
Sjögren’s syndrome (SS)
mucous membrane pemphigoid
Graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD)
Eye irritation due to rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders
Improvement in corneal staining
Reduction in punctate epithelial erosions and persistent defects
Accelerate corneal epithelial healing after surgery.
https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/rethink-autologous-serum
https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/thicker-than-water-autologous-serum
Are Autologous Serum Eye Drops Safe?
Results of a 2008 study of the long-term use of autologous serum eye drops showed all conditions improved over time with no reported problems, side effects, or significant complications.
Because of the concentrated bio-activity contained in blood serum and the need of a preservative-free product, researchers were concerned of possible bacteria growth in the ASED samples. However, the study reported no bacterial growth or infection in the serum. Properly stored serum tears retain stable healing properties for up to 6 months. Typical treatment supplies last 2-3 months depending on frequency of use.
Over all, because of the similar properties to one’s own natural tears, autologous serum tears are well tolerated, provide relief, promote healthy cell growth and healing, and have no reported problems or significant complications.
Where Can I Get Serum Tears?
Phleetbo has partnered with Serum Tears Fast to simplify and expedite the ASED process and have your serum tears ready within hours. This is a much more convenient turnaround then previously available. Expedited processing techniques are reintroducing serum as an efficient and popular form of treatment for dry eye disorders.
Until now, producing autologous serum eye drops was a long and cumbersome process involving many points of contact and processing. First an opthamologist appointment and recommendation would be needed, then a laboratory visit for a blood draw (assuming laboratory will allow you to take the blood with you), followed by returning your exposed blood specimens to the opthamologist practice for shipping, or you would be responsible for properly shipping the blood specimens to a specialized compound pharmacy to then combine and process your serum with a carrier solution, and finally the completed solution would be shipped back to you approximately 2-4 weeks later.
Phleetbo brings the Serum Tears processing laboratory to your door.
Our specialized mobile technicians are skilled in drawing your blood from the comfort of your own home and processing your serum tears on site. Allowing you to have usable serum tears in about an hour and last about 2-3 months.
Are you a candidate for our autologous serum tears expedited process?
Contact Us Today To Find Out.