The use of autologous serum tears in persistent corneal epithelial defects

Purpose Persistent corneal epithelial defects (PED) present a very challenging problem to anterior segment surgeons. Autologous serum tears had been demonstrated to be beneficial in the treatment of PED. The current study was conducted to review the local spectrum of indications and to examine the outcome of autologous serum tear usage. Methods All cases of PED treated with autologous serum tears at a tertiary referral centre for the period August 1999 - July 2001 were identified and reviewed. Results A total of 10 eyes from 10 patients were identified (5OD : 5OS). The gender ratio was 7M: 3F and the mean age was 36.8 ( range 17 - 73) years old. The mean duration of PED before the usage of autologous serum tears was 22.4 +/- 69.6 days. Six eyes healed within 2 weeks, but two eyes failed to heal after 1 month of treatment and two patients defaulted follow-up. No adverse effects were observed with the addition of autoserum tears. Conclusions The results of the current study correlated well with previous reported studies. Autologous serum tears may be considered as a valuable adjunct in the management of recalcitrant cases of PED.