New Methods in Dry Eye Treatment: Platelet-Rich Plasma

Abstract

Purpose:

Pharmacological treatment strategies for dry eye disease (DED) have evolved significantly, incorporating a range of therapeutic interventions targeting underlying inflammation and tear production deficits. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, such as adalimumab, are increasingly used to manage severe cases of DED, showing efficacy in reducing symptoms and improving ocular surface integrity.

Methods:

This review will comprehensively evaluate the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of dry eye (DE) and its possible mechanism of action.

Results:

Novel immunotherapy targets and gene therapy methodologies are developing, showcasing significant progress in the inhibition of reactive aldehyde species and the application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to modulate immune responses and promote tissue repair. PRP, abundant in growth factors, is increasingly acknowledged as an efficacious therapy, especially for persistent epithelial defects and severe DED. PRP has demonstrated advantages in expediting wound healing and tissue regeneration owing to its powerful biological constituents, such as transforming growth factor-β, vascular endothelial growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor.

Conclusion:

Recent research underscores the variations in preparation techniques for PRP, with formulations like E-PRP (eye-specific PRP) used for ocular surface therapies. Moreover, the increasing application of autologous serum and plasma rich in growth factors for the treatment of DED is substantiated by data indicating their capacity to enhance corneal epithelialization and mitigate DE symptoms. This review highlights the increasing significance of new therapeutic modalities, such as PRP, as essential for controlling DED, offering effective alternatives with improved clinical results.