Autologous Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Eyedrops in Refractory Cases of Ocular Surface Disorders.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Preliminary information about the safety and efficacy of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) eyedrops in the treatment of refractory cases of diverse ocular surface disorders (OSDs) is presented here. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included cases with OSDs refractory to previous treatment with conventional treatments or autologous serum or cyclosporine, and treated with PRGF eyedrops. The signs and symptoms of ocular surface disorders [using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual analog scale (VAS) frequency and VAS severity] were evaluated before and after treatment with PRGF. A safety assessment was also performed reporting all adverse events or complications. RESULTS: Forty-one patients with a total of 80 treated eyes were evaluated. Statistically significant reductions in the OSDI scale (39.27%), VAS frequency (38.9%) and VAS severity (40.3%), and a significant improvement in BCVA (54.86%) were all observed (p < 0.05). The results were stratified according to the identified potential effect modifiers. There were only two adverse events (eye redness and eyelid inflammation), which were reported as mild and resolved in a few days. CONCLUSIONS: PRGF eyedrops could be a safe and effective treatment option for refractory cases of OSDs. When treating patients the possible influence on the results of some clinical variables must be taken into account.