Application of the plasmolifting procedure in ophthalmology

Eye diseases affect us all in one or another form. The use of autologous platelet-rich plasma or PRP ophthalmology helps treat a wide range of disturbances of vision. The Plasmolifting PRP procedure has shown good healing effects for many years and enjoys well-deserved popularity among patients.

PRP ophthalmology or treatment of eye diseases with platelet-rich plasma

PRP therapy is considered one of the safest and most effective means of wound healing in the medical field. It is widely used in the treatment of vision problems in PRP ophthalmology. By injecting plasma into open wounds resulting from trauma or surgery, wound healing can be accelerated with minimal risk of infection and scarring. That's why ophthalmologists nowadays also use platelet-rich plasma to help patients with eye problems.

What is PRP ophthalmology? PRP ophthalmology helps treat various eye disorders

Physicians specializing in PRP ophthalmology help patients recover after treatment for eye diseases with conventional therapies, including eye drops and surgery. If the treatments mentioned are not effective enough, doctors may prescribe PRP-based eye drops in combination with other treatments. In some cases, they may also opt for PRP therapy alone. Below we list the diseases that can be cured with the PRP procedure.

Chronic and symptomatic dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome (sicca syndrome) is a condition in which the lacrimal glands do not produce enough tear fluid. As a result, sufferers constantly experience irritation and itching in their eyes. Over time, this irritation can lead to inflammation and even scarring of the surface of the eye. Dry eye syndrome affects the cornea and conjunctiva, the thin, transparent tissue that lines the eye and the inside of the eyelid.

It is not without interest to learn that according to a 2012 Gallup poll, more than 126 million, or nearly half, of Americans have suffered from dry eye at least once.

Xerosis of the ocular surface

If there is pain or discomfort in the eyes, redness and itching of the cornea, and blurred images of objects, xerosis of the surface of the eye may be the reason.  If left untreated, this condition can cause severe damage to the corneal surface and even blindness.

Ulcers and sores on the cornea

A corneal ulcer is similar to an open sore in the cornea of the eye. It can occur as a result of an eye injury or infection, as well as a chemical burn. Drying of the cornea and excessive or improper use of contact lenses can also cause these sores.

Syndrome of recurrent corneal erosion

Corneal erosion is a condition in which the thin tissue in the eye that supports the cornea wears away. As a result, symptoms such as eye pain, excessive tearing, and sensitivity to light can occur. Ultimately, patients find that their vision deteriorates.

The blood plasma used in PRP ophthalmology contains powerful healing factors

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) contains a high concentration of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells. The plasma also contains mesenchymal stem cells, bioactive proteins, cytokines and other factors. These factors have healing properties and provide a scaffold for tissue repair and regeneration. Using eye drops based on PRP plasma, doctors supply the eye tissue with natural healing factors. This healing effect unfolds because PRP plasma is obtained from the patient's own blood.

The essentials in preparing for PRP therapy

According to a report by the US National Center for Biotechnology Information, PRP ophthalmologists are allowed to use blood plasma in two forms: as an ointment or as eye drops. For a successful course of treatment, they maintain exceptional sterility of the treated eye area and use only disposable materials. It is important to understand that there is a chance that PRP therapy will not help. However, one can be sure that PRP treatment does not cause any side effects and is completely safe for humans. The preparation for a PRP treatment is as follows.

1. The doctor draws 50 ml of blood from a vein in the patient's forearm. The blood flows into 9 mL vacuum tubes containing a sodium citrate solution and a separating gel. Each tube contains 1.4 ml of this anticoagulant solution. 

2. The tubes are then placed in a centrifuge and spun for 5 minutes at 1700g, where "g" is the acceleration of gravity. The blood is divided into two layers by centrifugation: red blood cells are in the lower layer, platelets and partially leukocytes in the upper layer.

3. The doctor separates the top layer of platelets and adds sterile saline to them, bringing the composition up to a 20 percent concentration.

4. He separates the obtained plasma and puts it in 5ml vials, wrapping each vial with aluminum foil. The foil protects the plasma from ultraviolet radiation and ensures the stability of vitamin A.

5. The doctor instructs his patients to store the vials at -20 °C until they are needed for use. Vials that are already used in the treatment should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4 ℃.

Treatment process in PRP ophthalmology

As soon as the platelet-rich plasma is ready, the doctor instructs the patient on how to use it.

• Patients should instill 1 drop of PRP plasma in each eye every 2 hours throughout the day, along with a preservative-free tear substitute. In addition, a hyperosmotic agent must be administered to the eyes every 4 hours. If necessary, the doctor can prescribe therapeutic contact lenses to protect the cornea of the eye.

• After 2 months, the PRP plasma dosage is reduced to four times a day.

• After 4 months, the patients only use eye drops based on PRP plasma and tear fluid substitutes.

• The doctor monitors the patients' recovery progress by examining them in 24 hours, 72 hours, in a week and in a month.

 Thereafter, patients may present every 2-6 months.

PRP ophthalmology helps heal the eyes

With the eye drops based on PRP plasma, ophthalmologists can help patients get rid of eye diseases.

• Growth factors contained in PRP plasma restore the corneal surface and the membrane that covers it.

• PRP therapy accelerates the healing of sores on the cornea with the least amount of scar tissue, so vision becomes clearer after the treatment is completed.

• Doctors can use the PRP procedure to reduce inflammation and pain.

• PRP therapy helps eliminate the negative effects of dry eye syndrome.

• PRP plasma acts as a lubricant that keeps the eye hydrated during healing and regeneration.

• After surgery with an excimer laser (LASIK), eye drops based on PRP plasma help to accelerate wound healing and prevent wound infection.

PRP therapy may be the best way to get your vision problems under control

When it comes to your eyes and vision, there's no harm in being overly cautious. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, PRP ophthalmology, or the use of PRP plasma to treat eye conditions, is arguably one of the safest treatments available today. It's because platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is essentially part of your own tissues and therefore very rarely causes side effects. Also, doctors only use sterile methods to develop and store PRP-based eye drops. They also provide detailed instructions to be followed throughout the course of treatment to get the best result.

Find out about the research results of well-known practicing physicians. You will learn how effective PRP therapy is for healing sores and scratches on the surface of the eye. In addition to regenerating after injuries, the PRP plasma-based eye drops also help moisturize and lubricate the eyes to prevent scratches and damage. These publications prove that PRP therapy can be safely relied on for many eye problems.

Treatment of eye diseases in the Dr. Renat Achmerow®`s clinics.

Our specialists receive specialized training and also undergo regular further training in order to be able to offer their patients the best services. You can always register for a preliminary diagnosis and discuss the necessary treatment. We also follow scientific developments and share relevant information and research results with you. Our patients improve their health, increase their level of medical knowledge and achieve better therapeutic results using the Plasmolifting procedure.