Dry eye disease is a common condition, but its prevalence varies in different countries. A study by the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, conducted on 625 individuals aged 50-90 years in Thailand found a dry eye disease prevalence of up to 14.21%, with a higher occurrence in women than men, and an increased incidence with advancing age.
Severity and Treatment of Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease varies in severity, so treatment ranges from environmental adjustments to the use of artificial tears. However, if the dry eye disease is severe or the patient has Ocular Surface Disease (OSD), autologous serum eye drops are another treatment option that doctors may choose, in addition to commonly available artificial tears.
What are Serum Eye Drops?
Serum eye drops are made from the patient’s own blood, which has biological properties closest to natural tears. They also contain cell growth stimulators such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß).
Therefore, besides being effective in treating dry eyes, serum also helps corneal wounds heal faster and reduces eye inflammation. Using the patient’s own blood to make serum eye drops also reduces the risk of allergic reactions and is safe from infections transmitted by others, such as AIDS, hepatitis viruses, syphilis, etc.
Prevalence of Serum Eye Drop Use
Today, serum eye drops or Autologous Serum Eye Drops are widely used in leading hospitals both domestically and internationally, with variations in concentration and preparation methods. The most popular concentration is 20% Autologous Serum Eye Drops, which contains cell growth stimulators at levels close to natural tears, making it effective for treating severe dry eye disease and ocular surface disease.
Dr. Kittikamon Wongpaisansin
Ophthalmologist specializing in cornea and refractive surgery
and Head of Ophthalmology Center
Phayathai 3 Hospital Eye Clinic
