Autologous Serum Eye Drops (ASEDs): A Personalized Treatment for Dry Eyes

At Millennium Eye Center, we have seen an exponential rise in dry eye disease (DED), affecting patients of all ages. The increasing use of electronic devices and screen time has contributed to a surge in younger patients experiencing DED. While there is no cure for dry eye, autologous serum eye drops (ASEDs) offer advanced relief for those who haven’t found success with traditional treatments. Below are guidelines to ensure you get the most out of your ASEDs treatment.

What Are Autologous Serum Eye Drops?

Autologous Serum Eye Drops (ASEDs) are a highly specialized treatment for dry eye disease, created using a patient’s own blood. Unlike conventional artificial tears, ASEDs are custom-made from your body’s blood serum, which contains natural healing properties like proteins, vitamins, and growth factors that promote eye health and provide relief from dry eye symptoms.

How Do ASEDs Work?

ASEDs closely mimic the natural composition of your tears, providing essential nutrients to the surface of your eyes that regular eye drops may lack. The unique components of your blood serum work to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and help maintain a healthy tear film. This leads to more effective relief from symptoms such as burning, redness, and the feeling of dryness or grit in your eyes. Because ASEDs are derived from your own body, the risk of allergic reactions is minimal.

How to Prepare for ASEDs

Before Your Blood Draw:
To maximize the quality of the serum in your eye drops, follow these recommendations for one week prior to your blood draw:

• Increase water intake: Drink approximately 4 liters (for men) or 3 liters (for women) of water daily.
• Clean eating: Focus on eating a healthy diet. Avoid greasy, fatty foods like cheeseburgers, as these can affect the quality of your blood and result in less effective serum tears. Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet will improve the quality of the serum and ensure optimal healing.

How to Get ASEDs

1. Prescription
   After your consultation with Dr. Lauretta Justin at Millennium Eye Center, you will be given a prescription for ASEDs.
2. Blood Draw
   You will visit a private lab where a small amount of your blood will be drawn. The blood will then be processed to separate the serum, which will be used to create your customized eye drops.
3. Serum Processing
   After your blood is drawn, it will go through a process to extract the serum. This includes clotting, centrifuging, filtering, and diluting to the prescribed concentration. The serum is typically ready for pick-up within 48 hours.
4. Collecting Your Drops
   You will be able to pick up your ASEDs from the lab once the serum is processed. Instructions on storage and usage will be provided.

How to Use ASEDs

1. Dosage
   Dr. Justin typically prescribes a 20% concentration, with one drop every 2 hours for 3 months. This may be adjusted depending on your condition.
2. Application
   • Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the eye drops.
   • Gently shake the vial before each use.
   • Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid, and place one drop into the pocket of the eye.
   • Close your eyes and gently press on the inner corners for about a minute.
   • Follow your dosage schedule, which is typically several times a day.
3. Storage
   • Store open vials in the refrigerator to preserve the healing components.
   • Unopened vials should be stored in the freezer and can last up to 3 months. Always discard expired or unused vials after 3 months.
   • Avoid contaminating the dropper tip, and ensure the vials are tightly sealed when not in use.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I notice improvement?
Some patients feel immediate soothing relief compared to artificial tears. However, significant improvement in dry eye symptoms typically occurs after 2 weeks of regular use. Maximum benefits are seen around 6 to 8 weeks, at which point Dr. Justin may adjust your treatment plan.

How long will my ASEDs last?
A single blood draw usually provides enough serum for a 3-month supply. The number of vials depends on your prescribed dosage and concentration.

What if the serum tears aren’t working as well as before?
The quality of the serum depends on your overall health and diet. If you notice changes in effectiveness, consider reviewing your water intake and diet. You may also need to repeat the blood draw if the lab reports poor-quality serum.

Can I adjust the dosage or concentration?
Dr. Justin will reassess your progress after 6-8 weeks. If necessary, she may increase the concentration or decrease the frequency of use depending on your response.

Are there any side effects?
ASEDs are made from your own blood, which minimizes the risk of allergic reactions. If you experience redness, swelling, or discomfort, discontinue use and contact our office.

Cost and Payment Options

The cost of ASEDs typically ranges from $300 to $700 for a 3-month supply. Although insurance often does not cover serum tears, there are flexible payment options available to help make this treatment more accessible to you.

Important Reminders:

• Drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy diet at least 1 week before your blood draw.
• Store your ASEDs correctly to prevent contamination.
• Contact our office if you experience any issues or need further adjustments to your treatment.

For more information or assistance, please contact Millennium Eye Center at 407-292-9812. We are here to help you achieve lasting relief from dry eye disease.