Treatment of Ocular Surface Syndrome After LASIK With Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma

PURPOSE: To ascertain the usefulness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of patients suffering from symptomatic ocular surface syndrome following LASIK. METHODS: Twenty-six eyes (9 women and 4 men) affected by symptomatic ocular surface syndrome were treated with topical eye drops of autologous platelet-rich plasma and results were reported at 4 weeks. Topical platelet-rich plasma was prepared from total blood and enriched in platelets by centrifugation. RESULTS: Eighty-five percent of patients experienced significant improvement of symptoms; best spectacle-corrected visual acuity increased 1 to 2 lines in 54%; fluorescein staining analysis showed a 69% full fluorescein disappearance; and tear break-up time increased > 2 seconds in 46%. Only one patient developed intolerance to platelet-rich plasma after 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous platelet-rich plasma was effective in the treatment of patients with ocular surface syndrome following LASIK, with symptoms generally relieved and a positive effect on punctate keratitis.