What it is
Autologous serum eye drops, often called autologous serum tears, are prepared from the patient's own blood. The blood is processed so the liquid portion, called serum, is separated and then diluted into a sterile solution. 'Autologous' simply means the material comes from the same person who uses it.
These drops are made by a compounding pharmacy for an individual patient. They are not an FDA-approved drug. Because they are compounded, preparation details such as the source, handling and processing can vary, which is a good reason to ask questions.
They are different from amniotic-derived eye drops and from amniotic membrane devices. Most amniotic-derived drops and serums are also not FDA-approved as drugs, and some amniotic membrane devices are regulated as human tissue products, which is a different pathway. These are separate categories, and a provider can explain which one is being discussed.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Eye doctors have traditionally started dry eye care with a range of familiar steps, such as over-the-counter artificial tears, lifestyle and environment adjustments, and prescription options. Which of these are appropriate depends on the individual and is decided by a licensed clinician.
Autologous serum tears have generally been discussed in situations where a person's eyes remain uncomfortable despite other approaches, or where the surface of the eye needs a closer look. Some doctors consider them because the preparation comes from the person's own body rather than being a manufactured formula.
Opinions about their role differ among clinicians, and availability varies by location, pharmacy and individual circumstances. Nothing about this approach is a promise or guarantee of results for any person.
How the right eye doctor may help
The right eye doctor may begin with a thorough dry eye evaluation. This generally involves talking through your symptoms, your health history and medications, and examining the surface of your eyes. The goal is to understand what may be contributing to your discomfort before any option is considered.
If autologous serum tears come up, a good provider can explain whether they might be a fit for you, what the process generally involves, and what other options exist. A licensed clinician decides what is appropriate after an evaluation, and you are welcome to ask for time to think it over.
Helpful questions to bring include: Is this product FDA-approved, and what is its regulatory status? Which pharmacy prepares it, and how is it sourced and processed? What is the total cost, and might insurance be involved? What should I watch for, and when should I call you? Providers listed through Providers.plus are licensed, and you can use that as a starting point to find an independent eye doctor.
The whole-person view
Eyes do not exist in isolation. Ongoing discomfort can affect sleep, focus and mood, and stress or tension can in turn make the body feel more sensitive. Looking at the whole person, including rest, screen habits, overall health and emotional load, is part of a thoughtful approach to dry eye treatment.
Some people find that body-based support such as Somatic Experiences helps them tune into stress held in the body, while others value talk therapy through Therapists.plus when worry about a health concern feels heavy. These are complementary supports, not substitutes for an eye doctor's care, and every approach has a place for the person who finds it helpful.
Keep in mind
- Autologous serum eye drops are compounded from your own blood and are not an FDA-approved drug; ask your provider about regulatory status, source, processing and total cost.
- Only a licensed eye doctor can decide whether any product is appropriate for you after an evaluation, and results are never guaranteed.
- Sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, or an eye injury need prompt professional attention; for emergencies call 911, and in a crisis call or text 988.
- This page is educational only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan.
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Frequently asked questions
What are autologous serum eye drops?
Autologous serum eye drops are drops made from a person's own blood serum, diluted into a sterile solution by a compounding pharmacy. They are sometimes discussed by eye doctors for dry eye concerns. They are not an FDA-approved drug, so it's worth asking a provider about them.
Are autologous serum eye drops FDA-approved?
No, autologous serum tears are not an FDA-approved drug. They are compounded by a pharmacy from the patient's own blood for that individual. Ask your eye doctor about the source, processing and regulatory status of any preparation.
Can autologous serum eye drops help with dry eye treatment?
They may be considered by some eye doctors as part of dry eye treatment, but no outcome is guaranteed. Whether they are appropriate depends on your evaluation and your clinician's judgment. A licensed eye doctor can explain the possibilities and alternatives.
How are autologous serum tears made?
They are prepared by a compounding pharmacy using blood drawn from the patient. The serum is separated and diluted into a sterile solution. Details can vary by pharmacy, so ask your provider how yours is sourced and processed.
Are autologous serum drops the same as amniotic eye drops?
No, they are different. Autologous serum comes from your own blood, while amniotic-derived products come from donated amniotic tissue. Most amniotic eye drops are also not FDA-approved as drugs, and some amniotic membrane devices are regulated as human tissue products, a separate pathway.
What should I ask my eye doctor about autologous serum eye drops?
Ask whether they are appropriate for you, which pharmacy prepares them, how they are sourced and processed, and what their regulatory status is. Also ask about total cost and what to watch for. A dry eye evaluation is the usual starting point.
Educational resource. Placenta-Derived Eye Serum shares general information and connects people with independent eye doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.