PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections For Dry Eyes
For patients with significant Dry Eye symptoms after failing other treatments, such as IPL and PReye™ Drops (platelet-rich plasma eye drops), the PReye™ Shot may be another option.
The PReye Shot involves PRP injection into the meibomian glands and the lacrimal gland. It is performed by Melinda C. O’Rourke, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist and surgeon with over 25 years of experience performing procedures in and around the eye, as well as extensive experience with PRP and cosmetic dermal injections using a cannula. The benefit of using a cannula over a needle for the injection is that the cannula is not sharp, so it reduces the amount of trauma to the tissue, which is critical in the area around the eye, resulting in less pain, less bruising, and a safer technique. Dr. O’Rourke is uniquely qualified to use the cannula technique to inject around the eye, drawing on her extensive experience as an eye surgeon and cosmetic injector; to our knowledge, she is the only physician worldwide using this technique.
What is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is simply blood that has been treated to concentrate the platelets. Platelets are a gold mine of growth factors, stem cells, and cell-signaling molecules (cytokines) that support tissue healing and regeneration. PRP is used in many specialties, including orthopedics, dermatology, aesthetics, gynecology, and hair loss. Only recently has it been accepted as an excellent treatment for dry eyes, and it is used mostly in Europe and Canada. At Essence, we use PRP for aesthetic treatments, dry eye, and lash enhancement.
How is PRP prepared?
Only 11 cc of blood is needed to prepare PRP eye drops, obtained through a routine blood draw. For a smooth blood draw and optimal volume, hydrate with 8 glasses of water the day prior, and 2 glasses of water 30 minutes prior, and avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to the blood draw. The blood sample is processed to produce PRP. There are many PRP technologies on the market with varying degrees of purity and potency. At Essence Laser, we use the latest PRP technology to achieve the highest platelet purity and concentration, creating a superior product in our PReye.
Procedure
After preparation of the PRP, the peri-orbital area is prepped with a surgical-grade cleanser, and a topical anesthetic is applied. The 100% pure PRP solution is injected along the lower and upper lid margins, into the meibomian gland region, and into the superficial upper outer orbital region to reach the lacrimal gland area, using a non-sharp cannula to minimize discomfort or trauma to the tissue. Once the PRP has been prepared, the procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes. It is recommended that the patient receive 3 injections spaced about 1 month apart, followed by maintenance treatments as needed, at least once every 6-12 months, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition.
What to expect after the procedure
Immediately after the procedure, the eyelids will appear swollen due to the fluid in the PRP solution. This will dissipate rapidly as the PRP solution is absorbed into the tissue, usually within minutes after the procedure. Do not apply makeup or skin products to the area immediately after the procedure, but the skin can be cleansed using the patient’s normal skin routine at bedtime. The eyelids may continue to appear slightly thickened for up to 24 hours. Occasionally, there may be bruising at the injection site.
Under the supervision of Melinda C. O’Rourke, MD, Essence Laser and Wellness is a referral center for specialty dry eye therapy and a medical aesthetics practice, not a routine ophthalmology practice. We ask that you provide a copy of a recent eye exam prior to treatment when seeking IPL for dry eye and/or the PReye shot. No exam is necessary for PReye drops or PRP for aesthetic purposes.
Ask us about our IPL/PReye bundling packages.
References
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Avila MY, Igua AM, Mora AM. Randomised, prospective clinical trial of platelet-rich plasma injection in the management of severe dry eye British Journal of Ophthalmology 2019;103:648-653.
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Murtaza F, Toameh D, Chiu HH, Tam ES, Somani S. Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Drops for Evaporative Dry Eye Disease from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Pilot Study. ClinOphthalmol. 2022 Jul 6;16:2199-2208. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S367807. PMID: 35821787; PMCID: PMC9271282.
