The components of blood include red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.  Platelets, because of their abundance in growth factors, are recruited to the site of any injury in the body to stimulate tissue repair and rejuvenation. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a simple blood draw that is processed to remove the red and white blood cells and preserve the platelets in high concentration in the plasma.  It is a proven therapy in a variety of specialties to enhance healing, including orthopedics, dermatology, and surgery.  In dry eye, PRP helps to improve new cell growth, and the healing of corneal and conjunctival cells. 

Serum tears are created by centrifuging the blood, which removes the red and white blood cells, but it also removes the platelets.  The remaining plasma contains vitamins and fibronectin which help somewhat in tissue healing but contain virtually no platelets so is very low in growth factor concentration, and much less effective in the healing of the corneal and conjunctival cells in dry eye, compared to PRP eye drops.

Only 11cc of blood is needed to prepare PRP eyedrops, which is obtained by a routine blood draw.  For a smooth blood draw, 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 cultivate the PRP product and combined with preservative-free artificial tears in sterile eye dropper bottles.  There are many PRP technologies on the market with varying degrees of purity and potency.  At Essence Laser, we use the top PRP technology to produce the highest purity and concentration of platelets to create a superior product in our PRP eyedrops.  

The recommended dosage is 1 drop in each eye 2 times daily but in more severe cases, or during flare-ups, it can be used as much as is necessary.  It’s a product of one’s own healing factors so it is not possible to use too much.  The nano-dropper decreases wastage and increases efficient use of the product.  Each draw should provide 3-6 months of drops, depending on the frequency of usage.  

The cost is $400 per blood draw.  This will allow for a 3-6 month supply depending on the frequency of eye drops.

Dry eye causes damage to the cornea and conjunctiva, and it will take some time for the tissue to turn over new cells and provide relief of symptoms.  You may notice an improvement using the drops 2 times daily after a month or so but give it a full 3 month trial.    

Place all bottles in the freezer, except one bottle in the refrigerator for current use.

The bottle in the refrigerator can be kept up to 2 weeks but must be discarded after that. 

Defrost the tears by moving them to the refrigerator for a day.  DO NOT MICROWAVE.

Write the expiration date on the bottle, which is 2 weeks after removal from freezer.

The bottles can be kept frozen for up to 6 months.

Apply the provided nano-dropper if desired to the bottle to prevent wastage and improve cost-effectiveness.

Gently shake the bottle before instilling drops.

NEVER share PRP drops with anyone. 

If you are using other medicated drops, wait 10 minutes between drops. 

If you wear contact lenses, instill PRP drops before and after contact lens wear.  

If you experience pain, irritation, blurry vision, or redness, or any other adverse symptoms, please call your eye doctor immediately.