There are various vision correction surgery methods, but the possible surgical methods may vary depending on each eye condition. In particular, LASEK surgery is recommended for people who have severe myopia or astigmatism or who have relatively thin corneas. LASEK surgery separates and peels off the corneal epithelium. Therefore, it takes time for the damaged corneal epithelium to regenerate, resulting in pain. To relieve postoperative pain and shorten the recovery period, eye centers may prescribe PRP eye drops, which are also known as autologous serum eye drops.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
Autologous serum eye drops are literally eye drops made using your own blood. When blood is collected and left for about 2 hours, the red blood cells sink to the bottom and the yellow serum floats to the top. Afterward, only the serum is separated using a centrifuge, mixed with sterilized saline solution, and diluted to a 20% concentration.
This autologous serum eye drop contains various factors that help corneal regeneration, such as EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor), TGF (Transforming Growth Factor)-β, Fibronectin, and Immunoglobulins, as well as vitamin A.
It helps to stimulate growth factors in the eye. So, it aids in the quick regeneration of damaged nerves, blood vessels, and tissues. PRP is used not only after vision correction surgery but also to treat diseases such as keratitis and intractable dry eye syndrome.
The difference between autologous serum eye drops and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
In general, the terms autologous serum eye drops and PRP eye drops are used with the same meaning. However, autologous serum eye drops and PRP eye drops are different kinds of eye drops. Autologous serum eye drops are composed only of the yellow serum of blood. Whereas PRP eye drops are composed of both serum and platelets. As a result, using PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) can lead to a quicker recovery.
PRP is made from blood serum. So it is less likely to be rejected by the body and contains immune components. It lowers the possibility of infection after vision correction surgery. Also, it can quickly relieve pain that occurs during the recovery process.
We recommend the use of PRP eye drops for those who want a quick recovery after vision correction surgery, those who have severe dry eye symptoms, or those who are over 40 or have severe myopia and are expected to have a delayed recovery after vision correction surgery.
Are there any side effects from PRP?
Since PRP eye drops are made using your own blood, it can be said that there are almost no side effects. However, because there is a risk of infection during the blood extraction and coagulation process, it is recommended to ensure that the environment for producing eye drops is clean.
PRP eye drops use and precautions
No chemical preservatives are included during the production of eye drops. If it is left at room temperature for an extended period, the ingredients may decompose and deteriorate. There is a possibility that bacteria may be growing there. If you use spoiled eye drops, you are more likely to be exposed to various eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, and corneal ulcers. Therefore, we recommend that you follow the storage instructions.
We recommend that you keep one bottle of autologous serum eye drops that you plan to use immediately in the refrigerator and store the rest in the freezer. Even if stored in the freezer, it is best to use it within 1 month. Also, it should be discarded after 2 months.
Additionally, the vitamin A component contained in PRP eye drops quickly disappears when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Therefore, it is best to store it in the shade and away from direct sunlight as much as possible. If it has been left at room temperature for a long time, stop using it immediately and dispose of it.
Do you have any questions about whether Smile LASIK is safe? If you would like to know more about Smile LASIK, please refer to the link below. 🙂
Would you like to schedule a consultation with B&VIIT Eye Center? Make an appointment using the link below!