Italian Systemic Ophthalmology Network

Oculistica Sistemica Microbiota Oculare Nutrizione Oculistica EyeLongevity® Medici Oculisti
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Italian Systemic Ophthalmology Network
IT EN
Oculistica Sistemica Microbiota Oculare Nutrizione Oculistica EyeLongevity® Medici Oculisti
Educational information on eye health, nutrition and lifestyle as a possible complementary support to standard ophthalmic care. No content replaces medical visits, diagnosis or prescribed therapies.

Autologous Serum Eye Drops

Personalised biological eye drops for selected cases of severe dry eye and ocular surface disease when conventional treatments are not sufficient.

What autologous serum eye drops are

Autologous serum eye drops are prepared from the patient’s own blood by centrifugation and separation of the serum component. They do not replace standard artificial tears but are considered in selected cases where a preparation containing some of the components of natural tears (proteins, growth factors, vitamins and protective molecules) may be helpful. Their use is always decided by the ophthalmologist within an overall treatment plan.

When they are considered

Selected indications, after specialist assessment.

Autologous serum is usually regarded as a second‑line therapy, considered when conventional treatments are not sufficient or when the ocular surface shows marked damage. In clinical practice it may be considered, for example, in the following situations:

1
Moderate‑to‑severe dry eye refractory to standard tear substitutes and other therapies
2
Sjögren’s syndrome and other forms of severe tear deficiency
3
Recurrent corneal erosions
4
Neurotrophic keratitis
5
Persistent epithelial defects and some non‑responsive corneal ulcers
6
Selected post‑surgical ocular surface complications
7
Chronic blepharoconjunctivitis with epithelial involvement
8
Severe contact‑lens related tear film disturbance in selected cases
9
Some autoimmune diseases with ocular involvement (e.g. GVHD, cicatrising disorders)
Autologous serum

Why it may help

Autologous serum has physical and biochemical features closer to natural tears than conventional tear substitutes: it contains proteins, growth factors, vitamins and other components that can support corneal and conjunctival epithelial health. In selected patients this may contribute to ocular surface repair and improved tear film stability. The preparation is preservative‑free, reducing the risk of toxicity from chronic exposure to additives. Individual response may vary, and treatment must always be guided and monitored by the ophthalmologist.

Preparation and storage

Shared pathway with transfusion services.

How it is produced

Autologous serum is prepared in authorised hospital transfusion centres or equivalent facilities, following defined protocols and quality‑control procedures. In general, the process includes:

1
Blood collection in a volume defined by the transfusion centre, under safe conditions similar to routine blood testing.
2
Performance of screening tests and suitability checks as required.
3
Blood clotting and centrifugation to obtain the serum fraction.
4
Optional dilution of the serum according to protocol and sterile filling into bottles or single‑use vials.
5
Freezing of the final product and release to the patient only after completion of the required checks.

Home storage instructions

Proper home management of the eye drops is essential to ensure their safety and clinical efficacy.

Store vials or bottles in the freezer, unless otherwise specified by the centre.

Strictly follow the expiry date and storage duration communicated.

After thawing, use the vial within the time indicated (e.g., 24h in fridge) and never refreeze it.

If there are any doubts about colour, smell or correct storage (e.g. power cuts), stop using the drops immediately.

Dispose of unused or expired product according to the centre's instructions.

How to use

Autologous serum is instilled like standard eye drops, strictly following the instructions of the ophthalmologist and the transfusion centre. Dosage (number of drops and daily frequency) and treatment duration are tailored to the clinical picture and response. Hands should be washed thoroughly, contact between the dropper and the eye or any surface must be avoided, the bottle should be closed immediately after use, and storage times after thawing must be respected. The product is strictly personal and must not be used by anyone else. If pain, marked redness, discharge or worsening of vision occur, the doctor must be contacted promptly.

Uso del collirio

Autologous and donor serum

In some specialist settings, eye drops based on serum from suitable donors are also used. The choice between autologous and donor‑derived preparations depends on local protocols, the patient’s general condition and the specialist’s assessment.

Feature Autologous serum Donor‑derived serum
Source Patient’s own blood Selected blood donors
Biological adaptation Composition reflects the patient’s status Potentially more standardised between batches
Need for blood sampling Yes, for the patient receiving the eye drops No, for the patient receiving the eye drops
Practical organisation Depends on local service and blood draw scheduling Depends on availability of a dedicated service and stock levels

The decision between autologous and donor‑derived serum eye drops is always made by the specialist, in line with transfusion‑centre protocols and the patient’s overall condition.

Local therapy within a systemic view

Autologous serum is a local therapy targeting the ocular surface. In chronic dry eye and systemic disease, more stable results are often obtained when treatment is part of a broad, integrated pathway that takes into account general factors such as sleep quality, medications, screen use, exposure to dry environments, smoking, diet and, when indicated, inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. Systemic ophthalmology looks at the eye within the whole body context – microbiota, metabolism, lifestyle – complementing, and not replacing, official guidelines. Any change in ongoing therapies must always be discussed with the ophthalmologist and, when needed, with other physicians.

Frequently asked questions

No. Autologous serum is reserved for selected clinical situations, typically severe dry eye or ocular surface disease not controlled by standard treatments. Most mild or moderate cases are effectively managed with other therapies.

Yes. A specialist ophthalmic examination with a precise diagnosis is always required. Only the eye doctor can decide whether autologous serum is appropriate, initiate the process with the transfusion centre and define the treatment plan.

In appropriately selected patients and with correct preparation, tolerability is generally good. It is nevertheless essential to respect storage and handling instructions. If pain, marked redness, discharge or visual deterioration occur, the ophthalmologist must be contacted without delay.

Treatment duration varies and is decided by the specialist based on the underlying condition and clinical response. Courses of several weeks or months are often planned, with periodic checks of the ocular surface.

Yes. Autologous serum is usually part of a combined protocol including tear substitutes, anti‑inflammatory or immunomodulatory drops, lid hygiene, treatment of evaporative components and environmental measures. All combinations must be supervised by the doctor.

Any coverage or co‑payment depends on regional regulations and the organisation of individual centres. During consultation, patients receive updated information on available options.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not replace eye examinations, laboratory tests or personalised medical advice. References to systemic ophthalmology describe an integrative interpretative model (eyes, gut, metabolism, lifestyle) that complements – and does not replace – official guidelines. Any decision regarding diagnosis and treatment, including autologous serum prescription, must be taken together with your specialist.

Scientific and systemic network

For those who wish to explore links between ocular surface, microbiota, nutrition and lifestyle.

Oculistica Sistemica
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Microbiota Oculare
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Nutrizione Oculistica
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Eye Longevity
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