Dry Eye Care and Autologous Serum Drops Through Compounding

Dry eye disease is complex and often multifactorial, involving inflammation, tear film instability and changes to the ocular surface itself. For people with mild to moderate symptoms, over-the-counter artificial tears and lifestyle adjustments may be enough. For those with moderate to severe dry eye, poor response to conventional therapies, ocular surface damage, post-surgical dryness after LASIK or other procedures, or autoimmune-related dry eye such as Sjögren’s syndrome, a more personalized approach may be appropriate. Autologous serum eye drops, also called Auto-Tears, are a compounded option made from a small sample of the patient’s own blood. The serum is separated, diluted and prepared into sterile, preservative-free drops that closely mimic the natural composition of healthy tears. These drops contain growth factors, vitamins, anti-inflammatory mediators and proteins that standard artificial tears do not include. Pharmacy Solutions prepares Auto-Tears in a USP <797> and USP <800> compliant sterile cleanroom, with technicians certified in bloodborne pathogen processes. A compounding pharmacy can also prepare other specialized dry eye formulations, including preservative-free versions of prescription actives and customized concentrations, based on the provider’s prescription. For everyday comfort support, over-the-counter options such as preservative-free artificial tears and omega-3 fatty acid supplements are available without a prescription.