PRP Tears Vs. AST: Which Offers Better Eye Relief?

Millions of people suffer from dry eye disease. It is uncomfortable, with burning sensations, itching, and the feeling of something in the eye. Many individuals turn to artificial tears to find relief.

While the lubricants may provide some relief, they are temporary and require frequent use. Eye specialists are coming up with new ways to treat dry eye disease. 

Treating Dry Eye Disease

Several dry eye treatments are available, but unfortunately, most provide only temporary relief. Frequent use of artificial eye drops can reduce their efficacy over time. The preservatives in many of the products can also lead to irritation.

Many solutions may provide lubrication, but they do not supply nutrients that help support epithelial growth. They do not have the composition of natural tears: water, proteins, lipids, and hydrocarbons. Serum tears can help treat ocular surface diseases and restore ocular surface health.

Blood Serum for Eye Relief

Eye specialists prescribe blood serum tears for patients who do not improve after using traditional treatments. Blood serum has the same biological composition as natural tears, which makes it safe and effective as an eye treatment.

Serum tears can provide antimicrobial action and essential epithelial support. Whether the tears are autologous, platelet-rich plasma, or allogenic, they can help to restore ocular surface health.

PRP Therapy for Eye Relief

When conventional dry eye treatments are ineffective, doctors may recommend Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) eye drops. PRP has the same composition as natural tears, making the therapy highly effective.

The therapy also provides essential growth factors, cytokines, and vitamins that help boost the recovery of a damaged cornea. Apart from relieving dry eyes, it reduces symptoms of ocular surface disease.

AST for Eye Relief

Autologous serum eye drops (AST) are an effective aqueous-deficient dry eye (ADDE) treatment. They provide eye lubrication and boost epithelial healing. Eye doctors prescribe eye drops for the management of ocular surface disorders.

They are effective for the treatment of neurotrophic keratopathy and persistent epithelial defects. They can help prevent potentially blinding eye conditions, including moderate to severe dry eye.

PRP Tears vs. AST Eye Therapy

PRP and AST are both blood-based therapies, but they have differences. PRP is a superior therapy due to its rich concentration of growth factors. The process of creating the autologous serum (ASP) eliminates platelets. It reduces the growth factors that aid in recovery.

PRP contains between three to eight times the concentration of platelets in the blood. The platelets contain essential growth factors that boost tissue recovery. But experts say that autologous serum may contain inflammatory cytokines that can harm the eyes of patients with certain conditions. PRP is not diluted using saline before dispensation.

Studies suggest that PRP eye drop therapy is an effective dry eye treatment. Blood serum is ideal for patients who experience allergic reactions to artificial products. Eye specialists implement an individualized therapy plan for each patient. PRP tears are often administered five or six times daily for three months. Proper production and storage of serum tears help to ensure effectiveness.

For more on PRP tears vs. AST, visit Envision Specialty EyeCare & Dry Eye Center. Our office is in Meridian, Idaho. Call (208) 490-8823 to schedule an appointment today.