Study of the implementation of autologous serum eye drops on the market

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a study on the logistics of business implementation and viability of autologous serum eye drops therapy. Methods: One-hundred seventy-seven (177) ophthalmology services/clinics/offices were identified in the Botucatu region (SP). Five physicians, who agreed to participate in the study, selected and monitored patients with indication for autologous serum eye drop use, following the requirements of serological analysis for blood-borne diseases. The batches were customized for each patient and are mostly issued every 3 months. Results: Half of the ophthalmologists contacted reported that they see more than ten patients with dry eye syndrome per week and the majority (37.8%) would indicate autologous serum eye drops for 75% of moderate to severe cases if the therapy were easily available; 80% reported clinical improvement in the patient and all responded that they would continue to recommend the therapy. Regarding the patients’ responses, 80% considered the eye drops excellent and 20% good. All reported symptomatic improvement and none reported difficulty in use. Conclusion: Autologous serum eye drop presents itself as an interesting therapeutic alternative for dry eye syndrome. The path for the eye drops to reach consumption involves blood collection, transport of samples to the laboratory for product processing, transport of autologous serum eye drops to the patient, training of transporters, storage at low temperatures, and the cost involved in this operation. Future prospects for treatment with autologous serum eye drops involve improving the logistics network and, consequently, the cost-benefit, making the therapy accessible to a greater number of patients.