Tissue Services

Autologous Serum Eyedrops

Autologous Serum Eyedrops(ASE) may be prescribed for patients who suffer from severe dryness of the eye, who do not obtain relief from conventional pharmaceutical eyedrops. They are prepared from the patients own blood, which is processed to separate out the serum. The serum is then diluted with saline, and dispensed into dropper bottles that are returned to the patient. The clinical benefits of ASE treatment are well described, and are thought to result from the presence in serum of many of the same growth factors and nutrients that are present in natural tears, helping repair and maintain the corneal epithelium. The protocol used for ASE preparation by NHSBT has been demonstrated to be clinically effective in a randomised controlled crossover trial (Noble et. al. Br. J. Ophthalmol. 2004;88;647-65). Blood is collected and processed into ASE in facilities accredited and licenced under the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations (2005), and ASE are dispensed in a facility holding a Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority manufacturing licence.

Further information regarding the service, for patients and ophthalmologists, is available in the documentation below. Ophthalmologists wishing to discuss the service further, or refer patients for ASE treatment, should in the first instance contact NHSBT on 0845 607 6820.

Linked Documentation