Frequently asked questions

These are tear substitutes and ocular surface products made from amniotic tissue (the membrane surrounding a baby during pregnancy) rather than from medication — used as eye drops, serums or membrane devices for dry eye and corneal healing. They are different from autologous serum tears, which are made from the patient's own blood.

No. Autologous serum tears are compounded by a pharmacy under a physician's order from the patient's own blood — they are not an FDA-approved drug, though the practice has a long history of use in eye care.

Generally, no. Most amniotic-derived eye drop and serum products are not FDA-approved as drugs. Some amniotic membrane devices (grafts or sutureless devices) are regulated differently, as human tissue products — ask the provider exactly what product they use and its regulatory status.

Amniotic tissue products are processed in ways that typically leave no living stem cells, so claims of 'stem cell' eye treatments from these products deserve skepticism. Ask the provider what the product is and what the manufacturer states it contains.

Autologous and allogeneic serum tears are generally used for severe or chronic dry eye, including Sjögren's-related dry eye, that hasn't responded to standard drops. Amniotic membrane products are more often used for corneal healing after injury, ulcers or surgery. Use varies by provider and condition.

Search the directory for ophthalmologists, cornea specialists and dry eye clinics near you. Providers list for free, and you can request contact directly from a profile.

No. Placenta-Derived Eye Serum is an educational website only. It does not diagnose, treat, or recommend any specific product, and only a licensed eye doctor who has examined you can say what's appropriate for your eyes.