What it is
Autologous means "from yourself." Autologous serum tears are made from a sample of the patient's own blood. The blood is processed so that the serum, the liquid portion, is separated and typically diluted with a sterile solution before being placed in dropper containers by a compounding pharmacy.
Natural tears contain more than water. They include proteins, nutrients and other components that help keep the eye's surface comfortable. The idea behind serum tears is that a person's own serum contains some similar components, which is why they are sometimes discussed as an option for stubborn dry eye.
Regulatory status matters here. Autologous serum tears are compounded by a pharmacy from the patient's own blood and are not an FDA-approved drug. Whether they are appropriate for you is a decision only a licensed clinician can make after an evaluation.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Dry eye has long been approached in steps. Many people begin with over-the-counter artificial tears, environmental changes such as adjusting screen habits or humidity, and routine care of the eyelids. Eye doctors may also look at the underlying contributors to dryness.
When those approaches don't seem to be enough, some eye doctors discuss other options, including prescription medications, procedures, or biologic-based drops such as autologous serum tears. Which of these is considered depends on the individual's eyes, health history and symptoms.
Practices vary. Different clinics and compounding pharmacies may prepare and recommend serum tears differently, and availability can depend on location and provider. Because of this, it helps to treat any general description as background, not as a guide for your own care.
How the right eye doctor may help
A good starting point is a comprehensive dry eye evaluation with a licensed eye doctor. A visit generally includes talking through your symptoms, your history and what you've already tried, followed by an examination of the surface of your eyes and tear film. The doctor may then discuss which options, if any, might be worth considering.
If autologous serum tears come up, a provider may explain whether they could be a reasonable fit, what the process involves, and how they would be monitored. Nothing is guaranteed, and some people may be steered toward other approaches. Your doctor can also tell you about any health conditions that affect the decision.
Questions worth asking: Why might this be appropriate for my eyes? Which pharmacy would prepare it, and how is it processed and stored? What is its FDA or regulatory status? What are the possible risks, and what would the total cost be, including blood draws and any insurance questions? What happens if it doesn't help?
The whole-person view
Eyes don't exist in isolation. Ongoing discomfort can affect sleep, focus and mood, and stress and tension can in turn make people more aware of physical symptoms. Body, mind and daily habits influence one another, so looking at the whole picture can be useful alongside eye care.
Some people find that body-based support such as Somatic Experiences helps them tune into stress held in the body, and others value talk therapy through Therapists.plus when chronic discomfort feels overwhelming. These are complements to, not replacements for, an eye doctor's evaluation, and no approach needs to be dismissed to value another.
Keep in mind
- Autologous serum tears are compounded from your own blood and are not an FDA-approved drug; only a licensed clinician can decide whether they are appropriate for you.
- This page is educational only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan.
- Sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, or a suspected eye injury or infection need prompt professional care; for emergencies call 911.
- If you are struggling emotionally with ongoing symptoms, you can call or text the 988 Lifeline at any time.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
What are autologous serum tears for dry eye?
Autologous serum tears for dry eye are eye drops made from a person's own blood serum, prepared by a compounding pharmacy. They are discussed as an option when other approaches haven't been enough. A licensed eye doctor decides whether they are appropriate.
Are autologous serum tears FDA-approved?
No, autologous serum tears are not an FDA-approved drug. They are compounded by a pharmacy from the patient's own blood. Ask your eye doctor about the pharmacy, the preparation process and the regulatory status.
Who might an eye doctor consider autologous serum tears for?
That is an individual decision made after an evaluation. Doctors consider your symptoms, eye surface findings, health history and what you have already tried. Not everyone with dry eye will be a candidate.
Are autologous serum tears the same as amniotic eye drops?
No. Autologous serum tears come from your own blood, while amniotic-derived drops come from donated tissue. Most amniotic eye drops and serums are also not FDA-approved as drugs, and some amniotic membrane devices are regulated as human tissue products, a different pathway. Ask a provider about any specific product.
Do autologous serum tears cure dry eye?
No one can promise that. Dry eye has many possible causes, and responses vary from person to person. An eye doctor can explain what to realistically expect and how your eyes would be monitored.
What should I ask before trying autologous serum tears for dry eye?
Ask why they might suit your eyes, which pharmacy prepares them, how they are processed and stored, and their regulatory status. Also ask about possible risks, alternatives and the total cost, including any insurance questions.
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.