Contact Lens & Anterior Eye: Published November 2023

Dry eye disease has public health and economic significance. Platelet-rich plasma is rich in anti-inflammatory agents and growth factors, both beneficial for ocular surface repair. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the benefits of platelet-rich plasma for treating dry eye disease and its adverse effects.

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This systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 studies regarding the use of platelet-rich plasma in treating patients with dry eye disease found that this treatment resulted in an improvement in dry eye symptoms comparable with that provided by autologous serum eye drop therapy and a significant improvement in dry eye symptoms compared with the use of artificial tears.

Platelet-rich plasma contains growth factors that are lost during the processing of autologous serum, as well as epithelial and insulin-like growth factors, and has anti-inflammatory effects.

This study highlights the benefits of platelet-rich plasma injection as a treatment option for patients with dry eye disease that could result in improved quality of life.