Subconjunctival Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Severe Dry Eye Disease

In this video, Dr. Carlos Cordoba Ortega and colleagues use subconjunctival platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to manage severe dry eye disease in a 40-year-old female with Sjögren's syndrome and poor response to previous treatments. Platelet-rich plasma was obtained from a centrifuged sample of the patient's blood. After numbing the eye, sterile insulin needles were used to deliver subconjunctival injections of PRP; 500 microliters were injected in the lower fornix, and 100 microliters were injected into each quadrant of the perilimbal area. Significant improvements were seen in ocular surface inflammation and the quality and stability of the tear film as early as 1 week after treatment, with an Ocular Surface Disease Index score that improved from 63.63% (moderate to severe grade) prior to the procedure to 34.09% (mild to moderate grade) after PRP injections. Dry eye symptoms continued to improve over 1 year of follow-up. 

Note: The use of platelet-rich plasma eye drops has been studied, but subconjunctival injections of platelet-rich plasma have not yet been well studied in severe dry eye syndrome.

Financial Disclosures: Dr. Carlos Ortega discloses no financial relationships. Dr. Mora Villate discloses no financial relationships. Dr. Padilla Pantoja discloses no financial relationships. Dr. Jimenez-Mora discloses no financial relationships.