LACRIMAL GLAND INJECTION OF PLATELET RICH PLASMA FOR TREATMENT OF SEVERE DRY EYE-CASE REPORT

We aimed to assess the efficacy of the injections of platelet rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of severe dry eye disease (DED) due Sjogren syndrome.

University Center Clinic of Kosova,Eye Hospital.Prishtina,Kosova

• This case report, included a patient with severe dry eye who had been diagnosed with Sjogren Syndrome. The patient previously used artificial tears, autologous serum, but without improvement.We decide to give in both eyes -PRP- injectIion transconjunctivaly every month for 3 months.The both eyes received 1ml transconjunctivally injection at day 0, 30, 60 and 90 without adding any other therapy. Two eyes were measured at baseline and at 30, 60 and 90 days. The primary outcome measures were changes in corneal staining according to the Oxford classification, results of the Schirmer test and tear break-up time (TBUT).

Symptoms of dry eye, changes in corneal transparency and other changes were significantly improved in the injcetion plasma group compared to conventional topical PRP eye drops.The SCHIRMER test increased by several points.

Primary outcomes are fluorescein break-up time, Schirmer’s I test, and TBUT. No complications were observed during short term follow-up.

PRP is a portion of the patient's own blood having a platelet concentration above baseline. Injection of PRP in lacrimal gland is simple, safe, and effective technique in treatment of severe dry eye; proved by improvement of tear film parameters through subjective and objective assessment.

This represent a novel alternative treatment for severe dry eye.