Comparative evaluation of effectiveness of twenty versus fifty percent autologous serum eye drops in treatment of dry eye

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of two concentration of autologous serum (AS) 20% vs 50% in recalcitrant moderate-to-severe dry eye patients. METHODS: A double-blind prospective, interventional, and randomized study was done on 44 patients (80 eyes) clinically diagnosed with moderate-to-severe dry eye disease (DED) that was refractory to conventional treatment, and all patients were treated with AS20% or AS50% for 12 weeks. We documented Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film breakup time (TBUT), OXFORD corneal staining score (OSS), and Schirmer test (ST) at baseline, 2,4,8, and 12 weeks. These parameters were compared in both groups and between the groups by using Student’s t-test. The study included 11 males and 33 females. RESULTS: Out of 80 eyes, 33 eyes had moderate and 47 had severe DED. The age of patients in AS20% was 44.73 ± 14.37 years, and in AS50% was 46.41 ± 14.47 years. The most common etiology associated with DED was secondary Sjogren syndrome. In moderate DED, both the groups showed significant improvement in both subjective and objective parameters. But in severe DED, the AS20% group failed to show any significant improvement objectively, though subjective improvement was present. CONCLUSION: In refractory severe DED patients, AS50% is better option for treatment and in moderate DED both concentrations of autologous serum are effective.