Effect of autologous plasma used as eye drops in patients with dry eyes in Sjogren's syndrome: A single-arm trial.

BACKGROUND: Dry eye disorder in Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is very debilitating to the patients as it affects their day-to-day activities, sleep quality, and overall well-being. To date, there is no known cure for dry eye disorder. The conventional treatment options available so far, such as artificial tears, are ineffectual in symptom relief and are not economically feasible for a long time. Hence, the Autologous plasma prepared and used as eye drops was considered a logical therapeutic option in such a chronic debilitating condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients diagnosed with primary SS with dry eye were included. This was a single arm before and after the interventional study. They were given autologous plasma prepared as eye drops (20% dilution as 5 ml bottles to be used six times a day for 3 months). The outcomes were measured subjectively and objectively as Standard Patient evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) and Dry Eye WorkShop score. The comparison of these categorical variables in the group before and after the intervention was carried out using the paired Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: None of the patients reported any adverse events following the installation of the serum eyedrops. There was a statistically significant improvement in dryness, soreness, burning/watering, and eye fatigue postintervention. Signs such as corneal staining and superficial punctate keratitis, tear fill breakup time, and Schirmer's score showed improvement postintervention compared to preintervention, but it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our study showed the beneficial effects of autologous plasma eye drops on symptom relief and objective improvement at the end of 3 months. Hence, autologous plasma eye drops can be considered a therapeutic option in patients with SS dry eye disorder.