[Treatment of persistent epithelial defects using autologous serum application]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Ocular Surface Disease

Background:

• Persistent corneal epithelial defects (PED) pose a significant clinical challenge, often associated with dry eye and ocular surface inflammation.
• Squamous metaplasia, a hallmark of chronic ocular surface disease, can impede healing and visual recovery.
• Autologous serum contains growth factors and nutrients beneficial for ocular surface repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of topical 20% autologous serum eyedrops in promoting the healing of persistent corneal epithelial defects (PED).
• To assess the impact of autologous serum treatment on squamous metaplasia in patients with dry eye and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid.

Main Methods:

• A prospective case series involving 17 eyes (14 patients) with PED treated with 20% autologous serum eyedrops for 28 days.
• Clinical evaluation included fluorescein staining, Schirmer's tests, and photographic documentation of PED healing.
• Impression cytology (Tseng's method) was used to evaluate squamous metaplasia in 7 eyes of 4 patients.

Main Results:

• The corneal epithelial defect healed within 2 weeks in 35.2% of eyes and within 2-4 weeks in 47% of eyes.
• The mean duration of PED prior to treatment was 36 days.
• Six of seven eyes treated with autologous serum showed regression of squamous metaplasia after 28 days of therapy.

Conclusions:

• Topical autologous serum treatment significantly accelerates the healing process of persistent corneal epithelial defects.
• Autologous serum application effectively induces the involution of squamous metaplasia in the ocular surface.