Autologous serum eyedrops: literature review and implications for transfusion medicine specialists

Persistent corneal epithelial defects (CEDs) are caused by many diseases that are usually associated with decreased production of tears or reduced corneal sensitivity. Although surgical treatments are available for severe cases, CEDs are still difficult for ophthalmologists to treat. One treatment for CEDs that is uncommonly used in the United States is autologous serum eyedrops (ASEs). The first application of ASEs was described in 1984. This landmark report was followed by multiple studies that carefully evaluated the epithelial-promoting properties of ASEs and refined the means of ASE preparation. A number of clinical studies suggested the efficacy of ASEs in various ophthalmologic conditions. This article reviews the efficacy and complications of ASE use reported in these studies. Given that ophthalmologists may consult the blood bank to request ASEs, transfusion medicine physicians should be aware of the issues related to ASE preparation, storage, and potential utility.