Sustained long-term benefits of autologous subconjunctival platelet-rich plasma injections for severe dry eye disease

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition that significantly impairs patients’ quality of life, particularly in its severe forms, which are often unresponsive to conventional therapies. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of subconjunctival platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in six Hispanic women with refractory DED. A total of eleven eyes were treated with a standardized protocol consisting of five PRP injections – three administered monthly, followed by two spaced two months apart – and followed for a period of 12 months. Clinical assessments included both subjective and objective measures, such as the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Schirmer test, tear breakup time (BUT), and ocular surface staining with fluorescein and lissamine green. Significant and sustained improvements were observed across all parameters throughout the follow-up period, and no serious adverse events were reported. Notably, this is the first study to demonstrate that subconjunctival PRP injections may provide long-term symptomatic relief in patients with refractory DED. These findings suggest that this novel, well-tolerated, and accessible therapeutic approach may represent a promising alternative for individuals who do not respond to conventional treatments and warrant further investigation in larger populations. Dry eye disease (DED) is a condition that makes the eyes feel dry, irritated, and uncomfortable, and can affect a person’s quality of life. Some people have very severe dry eye that does not improve with regular treatments like eye drops. In this study, we tested a new treatment using a part of the patient’s own blood, called platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which contains natural healing substances. The PRP was injected under the thin, clear layer that covers the white part of the eye (this is called a subconjunctival injection). Six women with severe dry eye received five injections and were followed for one year. We found that their symptoms and eye health improved significantly and stayed better throughout the year. There were no serious side effects. This is the first study to show that this type of injection can provide long-term relief for people with hard-to-treat DED. This treatment could offer a new option for patients who do not get better with standard care.