To compare the therapeutic effect between autologous serum and umbilical cord serum eyedrops in the treatment of severe dry eye syndrome.

Ninety-two eyes of 48 patients with severe dry eye syndrome (34 eyes of 17 patients with Sjögren's syndrome and 58 eyes of 31 patients with non-Sjögren's syndrome) were treated with either 20% autologous serum (41 eyes of 21 patients) or umbilical cord serum eyedrops (51 eyes of 27 patients). Symptom scoring, corneal sensitivity test, tear film break-up time (BUT), Schirmer test, tear clearance rate (TCR), corneal fluorescein staining, and conjunctival impression cytology were performed before and 1 month and 2 months after treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with severe dry eye syndrome who were refractory to conventional treatments and had symptoms of dry eye for more than 3 months
• Low tear film break-up time (BUT, < 5 sec)
• Low Schirmer test (5 mm)
• Positive fluorescein or rose bengal vital staining (≥ 3)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active ocular infection or inflammation not associated with dry eye
• Contact lens wear
• Ocular allergy
• Ocular surgery within the recent 3 months
• Lid or lash abnormalities
• Pregnant or lactating women