Everts et al (European Surgical Research: 2007) recently published their findings of the structure of platelet rich plasma. Their work is important because it will lead to a better understanding of how and when to use PRP. Further work about exactly how growth factors are released from both platelets and white blood cells is clearly needed. This important paper leads the way.PURPOSE: To ascertain the usefulness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of patients suffering from symptomatic ocular surface syndrome following LASIK. METHODS: Twenty-six eyes (9 women and 4 men) affected by symptomatic ocular surface syndrome were treated with topical eye drops of autologous platelet-rich plasma and results were reported at 4 weeks. Topical platelet-rich plasma was prepared from total blood and enriched in platelets by centrifugation. RESULTS: Eighty-five percent of patients experienced significant improvement of symptoms; best spectacle-corrected visual acuity increased 1 to 2 lines in 54%; fluorescein staining analysis showed a 69% full fluorescein disappearance; and tear break-up time increased > 2 seconds in 46%. Only one patient developed intolerance to platelet-rich plasma after 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous platelet-rich plasma was effective in the treatment of patients with ocular surface syndrome following LASIK, with symptoms generally relieved and a positive effect on punctate keratitis. Refract Surg. 2007 Jun;23(6):617-9.
