Autologous Serum Eye Drops (ASEDs) as dry eye disease treatment option

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, there are a lot of treatment options available for dry eye syndrome (DES) or disease (DED). Autologous Serum Eye Drops (ASEDs) is one of the options that offer a potential advantage over conventional therapy. Biochemical elements in ASEDs resemble real tears and act as a lacrimal substitute to provide lubrication. As a severe dry eye treatment, using ASEDs has grown in favor. Aim: This review aims to deliver knowledge from the current literature on applying ASEDs for dry eye disease in the medical worker. Method: The method used was a literature review. A comprehensive search was performed on Pubmed and Google Scholar databases in December 2022 using each of the following keywords “ASEDs”, “serum”, “eyedrop”, “DED” and “DES”. Conclusion: Dry eye disease is incurable and symptom management is the focus of therapy. Studies have shown that ASEDs reduced dry eye symptoms in over 60% of patients by inhibiting the release of inflammatory cytokines and increasing the number of goblet cells and mucin expression in the conjunctiva. The serum eye drop is typically well tolerated and can be one of the best treatment options for severe DED due to its close resemblance to tears, preservatives free and minimum side effects.