Autologous Serum Eye Drops

Indications: Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye

Autologous serum is formed from the patient’s own blood. Serum is the component of blood after the removal of white and red blood cells, as well as the components involved with clotting (fibrinogens). The resulting fluid contains proteins, antibodies, growth factors and electrolytes and other substances, some of which are thought to be useful in lowering inflammation and promoting healing of eyes damaged in dry eye.

• How to get it
• Preparation

Soft Bandage Contact Lenses

Bandage contact lenses are mostly usual soft contact lenses, used in unusual ways. Soft contact lenses are the most commonly used.

Soft Contact Lens Choices:

A lens with a low modulus is preferred as these will drape onto the underlying tissue better and theoretically provide less mechanical interaction. Preferred lenses are those with a modulus below 0.8 MPa.

1. Coopervision Biofinity (Monthly lens)
2. Coopervision CAir or Johnson & Johnson Oasys (Fortnightly lens)

Protocol:

• Used on a fairly short term basis of around 2-4 weeks + topical ofloxacin 0.3% QID/Tobrex. You can consider adding steroid into the combination as well (Maxidex TID) and Homoatropine (TID) in severe cases for comfort.
• See the patient back in a week to remove the bandage contact lens taking care to lubricate the eye and the lens with a drop of artificial tears before removal to avoid re-aggravating the fragile surface.
• Make sure there is no longer an epi-defect present. The patient does not need to remove the BCL until they see you again.
• Oral pain medications can be used as means to further reduce the pain but are typically not needed.

The main aims are relief of ocular pain, promotion of corneal healing, mechanical protection and support, visual rehabilitation, drug delivery, and maintenance of corneal epithelial hydration or prevention of corneal dehydration.