When your eyes feel gritty, scratchy, or tired, you might find it difficult to focus on work, read books, or enjoy sunny afternoons. If you’re reaching for over-the-counter drops as a way to find temporary relief, our team at Higgins Brothers’ Vision Care might be able to find a more lasting solution.
When standard treatments don’t provide the relief you need, other dry eye therapies may be appealing. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) eye drops are a custom-made treatment created from a small sample of your own blood. These droops are intended to help soothe and repair the surface of your eye. PRP therapy uses your body’s own healing components to address discomfort at its source.
A Simple Look at Dry Eye & Its Symptoms
Why Your Tears Matter
Your tears do more than show emotion—they also keep your eyes comfortable and healthy. In fact, your protective tear film creates a smooth surface for clear vision and washes away small foreign particles. When your tear quality or quantity is off, your eyes can feel dry and irritated as a result.
Common Signs of Dry Eye Disease
You might have dry eye if you regularly experience symptoms like:
- A burning or stinging feeling
- Redness or blurry vision
- A gritty sensation, like sand is in your eye
- Sensitivity to light
How PRP Eye Drops Promote Eye Health
PRP eye drops contain concentrated amounts of the natural healing elements that are found in your own blood. This results in a therapy that’s similar to your own tears, but with an added supportive boost. These drops are designed to help promote surface healing of the eye while also reducing inflammation and discomfort.
PRP & Other Dry Eye Therapies
PRP vs. Autologous Serum Drops
You may have heard of autologous serum drops, which are also made from your blood. The main difference is that PRP drops contain a higher concentration of platelets—cell fragments that are rich in growth factors. This gives them additional properties to help support the eye’s surface.
Other Therapies for Ocular Surface Disease
If your dry eye proves stubborn, your doctor might discuss other dry therapies. These can include:
- Amniotic Membranes: A thin, natural tissue that acts like a bandage to protect the cornea and support the healing process.
- Bandage Contacts: A specialty soft contact lens that shields the cornea from the friction of blinking, allowing it to rest and recover.
Your PRP Eye Drop Treatment Process
How the Drops Are Made for You
Creating your own PRP eye drops begins with a blood draw, much like a routine lab test. The sample is then placed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets and plasma, creating your custom drops.
What to Know About This Therapy
Your doctor can provide you with a schedule for using your drops. It’s also important to store them properly, usually in a refrigerator or freezer, in order to maintain their effectiveness.
Talk to Your Eye Doctor in Plainville
A Comprehensive Exam Is the First Step
The first step toward lasting relief is a thorough eye exam. Your eye doctor can look at your tear film and examine the surface of your eyes in order to determine the source of your discomfort. This allows them to see if PRP drops or another therapy would be a good fit.
Create a Personalized Plan
Your eyes are unique, and your care plan should be too. As your eye doctor in Plainville, we can walk you through all the available options, from lifestyle adjustments to dedicated therapies. Our goal is to find a solution that helps you feel comfortable and see clearly again.
Our team at Higgins Brothers’ Vision Care is here to support your eye health and explore effective optical solutions. Schedule an appointment to discuss your dry eye symptoms and find a path toward relief.
