Comparison of Autologous Serum and Umbilical Cord Serum Eyedrops for Dry Eye Syndrome

Comparison of Autologous Serum and Umbilical Cord Serum Eyedrops for Dry Eye Syndrome

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