Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
Platelet-Rich Plasma Lysate for Treatment of Eye Surface Diseases
Published on: August 2, 2022
Effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma on persistent corneal epithelial defect after infectious keratitis
Kyoung Min Kim1, Yong-Tae Shin, Hong Kyun Kim
1Nune Eye Hospital, Daegu, South Korea.
Insights
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) eyedrops effectively treat persistent epithelial defects (PEDs) by promoting corneal healing. This novel therapy shows promise for chronic ocular surface diseases due to high growth factor concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Wound Healing
Background:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is rich in growth factors crucial for wound healing.
- Persistent epithelial defects (PEDs) are challenging ocular conditions requiring effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of autologous Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) eyedrops in treating persistent epithelial defects (PEDs).
Main Methods:
- Autologous PRP and autologous serum (AS) were prepared and analyzed for growth factor content (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, EGF, vitamin A, fibronectin).
- Corneal epithelial healing was compared between PRP and AS treatments in patients with post-infectious PEDs.
Main Results:
- PRP showed significantly higher concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF) compared to AS.
- PRP eyedrops demonstrated significantly higher corneal epithelial healing rates than AS.
- A total of 28 patients were included, with 11 treated with PRP and 17 with AS.
Conclusions:
- PRP eyedrops are effective in treating persistent epithelial defects (PEDs).
- The therapeutic effect of PRP is likely due to its high concentration of growth factors, particularly EGF.
- PRP represents a promising new treatment for chronic ocular surface diseases.
Purpose:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) harbors high concentrations of growth factors related to the promotion of wound healing. We evaluated the efficacy of PRP eyedrops in the treatment of persistent epithelial defects (PEDs).
Methods:
Autologous PRP and autologous serum (AS) were prepared from whole blood. The concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β2, epidermal growth factor (EGF), vitamin A and fibronectin in the PRP and AS were analyzed and compared. The corneal epithelial healing efficacy of PRP was compared with that of AS in patients with PED induced by post-infectious inflammation.
Results:
The concentrations of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, EGF, vitamin A and fibronectin in the PRP and AS were not statistically different. However, the concentrations of EGF in the PRP were significantly greater than in the AS. AS was used in 17 and PRP in 11 eyes of 28 patients. The healing rates of the corneal epithelia of the PRP-treated eyes were significantly higher than those treated with AS.
Conclusions:
The PRP was effective in the treatment of PEDs. This may be attributable to its high concentration of platelet-contained growth factors, most notably EGF. PRP could be an effective, novel treatment option for chronic ocular surface disease.
