The role of "eye platelet rich plasma" (E-PRP) for wound healing in ophthalmology

Abstract

Blood derived products have demonstrated their capacity to enhance healing and stimulate the regeneration of different tissues and this enhancing effect is attributed to the growth factors and bioactive proteins that are synthesized and present in blood. Eye platelet rich plasma (E-PRP) provides higher concentration of essential growth factors and cell adhesion molecules by concentrating platelets in a small volume of plasma as compared with autologous serum, the latter being used widely in ophthalmology for epithelial wound healing of the cornea for the last two decades. These growth factors and cell adhesion molecules have a major role in wound healing and enhance the physiological process at the site of the injury/surgery via eye drops or clot. E-PRP has been used more recently, and has achieved successful outcomes in peer-review articles in the treatment of dormant ulcers (epithelial defects of the cornea that fail to heal), moderate to severe dry eye syndrome, ocular surface syndrome post Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), and for surface reconstruction after corneal perforation associated with amniotic membrane transplantation. Preparation of E-PRP in the two available formulations, eyedrops and clot, is inexpensive and easy although it requires following strict sterility conditions using sterile and disposable materials and operating inside a laminar flow hood. No serious adverse effects have been described with the use of these products, and it is generally well tolerated. In summary, Platelet enriched plasma in the form obtained in ophthalmology, E-PRP, is a reliable and effective therapeutic tool to enhance epithelial wound healing in ocular surface disease.