Fingerprick autologous blood: a novel treatment for dry eye syndrome

Abstract

PurposeDry eye syndrome (DES) causes significant morbidity. Trials of blood-derived products in treatment of the condition show promising results. However, their production is expensive and time-consuming. We investigate fingerprick autologous blood (FAB) as an alternative low-cost, readily accessible treatment for DES.Patients and methodsProspective, non-comparative, interventional case series. In total, 29 eyes of 16 DES patients (2 males and 14 females) from two NHS sites in the United Kingdom. Patients instructed to clean a finger, prick with a blood lancet, and apply a drop of blood to the lower fornix of the affected eye(s), 4 times daily for 8 weeks then stop and review 4 weeks later. Follow-up visits occurred ~3 days, 2, 4, 8 weeks into therapy, and 4 weeks post-cessation. At each visit, visual acuity, corneal staining, Schirmer's test, tear break-up time (TBUT), and ocular comfort index (OCI) were measured, and photographs taken. Results were analysed using Student's paired t-test.ResultsAt 8 weeks, there was improvement in mean Oxford corneal staining grade (3.31 to 2.07 (P<0.0001)), TBUT (5.00 to 7.80 s (P<0.05)), visual acuity (0.08 to 0.01 LogMAR equivalent (P<0.05)), and OCI score (56.03 to 39.72 (P<0.0001)). There was no statistically significant change in Schirmer's test results. Four weeks post-cessation versus immediately after completion of FAB therapy, mean staining grade worsened from 2.07 to 2.86 (P<0.0001). OCI score worsened from 39.72 to 44.67 (P<0.05).ConclusionsIn our limited case series FAB appears to be a safe and effective treatment for DES.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1

(a) Mean change in Ocular Comfort Index score after 8 weeks on fingerprick autologous blood therapy (dashed line) and then 4 weeks after cessation. (b) Mean change in Oxford corneal staining grade after 8 weeks on fingerprick autologous blood therapy (dashed line) and then 4 weeks after cessation. (c) Mean change in tear break-up time after 8 weeks on fingerprick autologous blood therapy (dashed line) and then 4 weeks after cessation. (d) Mean change in visual acuity (LogMAR) after 8 weeks on fingerprick autologous blood therapy (dashed line) and then 4 weeks after cessation. (e) Mean change in Schirmer’s score after 8 weeks on fingerprick autologous blood therapy (dashed line) and then 4 weeks after cessation. (f) Mean change in intraocular pressure after 8 weeks on fingerprick autologous blood therapy (dashed line) and then 4 weeks after cessation.

Figure 2

Corneal staining of right and left eyes of patient 1 (a) at baseline (b) reduction in stain seen after 8 weeks on FAB therapy (c) staining increase 4 weeks after cessation; right eye only of patient 6 (d) at baseline (e) after 8 weeks on FAB therapy.