PRP therapy for eyes

PRP therapy for eyes - what is PRP/platelet rich plasma?

Platelet-rich plasma consists of two elements: plasma, or the liquid part of the blood, and platelets-a type of blood cell that plays an important role in healing the entire body. Platelets are well known for their clotting abilities, but they also contain growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and stimulate regeneration or healing of tissues in the treated area. Platelet-rich plasma is simply blood that contains more platelets than normal.

To create platelet-rich plasma, clinicians take a blood sample from the patient and place it in a device called a centrifuge, which rapidly spins the sample, separating the other blood components from the platelets and concentrating them in the plasma.

What is a PRP injection?

After creating a platelet-rich plasma from a patient's blood sample, this solution is injected into the targeted area. The mechanism behind PRP injections is not fully understood. Studies have shown that the increased concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma can stimulate or accelerate the healing process, shortening the time for injuries to heal, reducing pain, and even promoting hair growth.

Here are some of the conditions in ophthalmology that PRP therapy can treat:

• Chronic and symptomatic dry eye syndrome - Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the lacrimal glands do not produce enough tears. As a result, there may be constant irritation in the eyes. Over time, the irritation causes inflammation and even scarring on the surface of the eye. The dry eye condition can affect the cornea and conjunctiva, or the thin tissue that covers the eye and the inside of the eyelids.
• Ocular surface syndrome - eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision or redness and itching. If left untreated, the condition can lead to severe damage to the surface of the cornea and even blindness.
• Corneal ulcers and sores - Corneal ulcers are like open sores in the cornea of the eye. They can form due to injury or infection of the eye or as a result of chemical damage. Drying of the cornea and excessive contact lens wear or abuse can also cause these sores.
• Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome (RCE) - Corneal erosion is a condition in which the thin tissues in the eye that support the cornea wear away. This can result in symptoms such as eye pain, excessive tearing and sensitivity to bright light. Eventually, patients discover that their vision is affected.

The serum used in PRP ophthalmology has potent healing components.

Ocular platelet-rich plasma (E-PRP) contains a concentration of platelets, growth factors, and white blood cells suspended in the plasma. The serum also contains mesenchymal stem cells, bioactive proteins, cytokines and various other components. These elements have the ability to repair wounds in the body, creating a framework for tissue repair and regeneration. Using PRP therapy for the eye, doctors essentially provide the eye with body tissues to heal. This is because PRP is derived from the blood of each individual patient.

Risks and side effects of PRP therapy for eyes

PRP injection is a low-risk procedure and usually does not cause major side effects.
Because PRP injections consist of the patient's own cells and plasma, the risk of an allergic reaction is much lower than with other injectable drugs such as corticosteroids. Less common risks of PRP injections include:

• Bleeding
• Tissue damage
• Infection
• Injuries to the nerves