What it is
Severe dry eye is a long-lasting condition in which the eyes do not stay comfortably moist or protected. It can involve burning, grittiness, blurry vision, light sensitivity, or a surface that looks irritated to an eye doctor. Many different causes can be involved, which is why "best" varies so much from person to person.
Biologic eye treatments are made from natural human-sourced materials rather than from a purely synthetic formula. Autologous serum tears are made from a person's own blood and are compounded by a pharmacy. Allogeneic serum tears use serum from a donor. Amniotic-derived drops and serums are made from processed tissue from the placenta's amniotic layer.
The regulatory picture differs by product type. Autologous serum tears are pharmacy-compounded and are not an FDA-approved drug. Most amniotic-derived eye drops and serums are also not FDA-approved as drugs. Some amniotic membrane devices placed on the eye are regulated as human tissue products, which is a different pathway. Processed amniotic products generally contain no living stem cells, and they are not stem-cell treatments.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Dry eye care has traditionally started with the basics, such as artificial tears, gels, and ointments, along with attention to the environment, screen habits, and eyelid health. Eye doctors have also looked at underlying contributors, such as inflammation, gland function, medications, or other health conditions.
When symptoms continue, clinicians have traditionally discussed other options in the office or by prescription. These can include prescription drops, devices that help retain tears, in-office procedures, or specialty options. Which of these are appropriate is an individual decision.
Biologic drops, including serum tears, have been used by some clinicians for more complex or stubborn cases. Approaches differ between practices, and people sometimes find that what is available depends on local pharmacies, the provider's experience, and the specifics of their eyes.
How the right eye doctor may help
The right eye doctor may help by first taking a careful history and examining the surface of your eyes, your eyelids, and your tear film. That evaluation is usually what helps separate one cause of dry eye from another, so that any discussion of options is tailored to you rather than generic.
If biologic options come up, a good provider can explain how they differ, whether any might be worth considering in your situation, and what alternatives exist. They may also say that a biologic option is not a good fit. Nothing about a visit guarantees a particular outcome.
Helpful questions to bring: What do you think is driving my dry eye? What is the specific product, and where does it come from? How is it processed and prepared? What is its FDA or regulatory status? What is the total cost, including follow-up visits? What are the risks, and how will we know whether it is appropriate for me to continue?
The whole-person view
Eyes, body, and mind influence one another. Long-term discomfort can affect sleep, concentration, and mood, and stress and tension can in turn make symptoms feel more intense. Looking at the whole person, including rest, screen habits, and overall health, can be a helpful complement to eye care.
Some people find that body-based support such as Somatic Experiences helps them work with stress held in the body, while others value talk therapy through Therapists.plus. These are supportive options alongside, not instead of, an eye doctor's care, and no approach is better than another for everyone.
Keep in mind
- Only a licensed eye doctor can decide what is appropriate for you after an evaluation, so please do not start, stop, or change any treatment on your own.
- Serum tears and most amniotic-derived drops are not FDA-approved drugs, and no product is guaranteed to work or to cure, reverse, or regenerate tissue.
- Severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, or injury needs prompt professional attention, so contact an eye doctor right away. For emergencies call 911.
- If dealing with ongoing symptoms feels overwhelming, 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 is the best treatment for severe dry eye?
There is no single best treatment for severe dry eye, because the right approach depends on the cause and on your individual eyes. A licensed eye doctor can evaluate you and discuss options, which may range from lubricants and prescription therapies to in-office procedures or biologic drops. Outcomes can't be promised.
Are serum tears FDA-approved?
No, autologous serum tears are not an FDA-approved drug. They are compounded by a pharmacy from a patient's own blood, and the same is true of donor-based preparations in terms of not being approved drugs. Ask your eye doctor about the source, preparation, and regulatory status of any product.
What is the difference between autologous and allogeneic serum tears?
Autologous serum tears are made from your own blood, while allogeneic serum tears are made from donor serum. Both are compounded preparations rather than FDA-approved drugs. A provider can explain which, if either, might be worth discussing for you.
Are amniotic eye drops FDA-approved?
Most amniotic-derived eye drops and serums are not FDA-approved as drugs. Some amniotic membrane devices placed on the eye are regulated as human tissue products, which is a different pathway. Ask your provider exactly which product is being discussed and how it is regulated.
Are amniotic eye drops a stem-cell treatment?
No, they should not be described as stem-cell treatments. Most processed amniotic tissue products contain no living stem cells after processing. Ask the provider how the specific product is sourced and processed.
What should I ask my eye doctor about biologic dry eye treatment?
Ask what is likely causing your dry eye, what the specific product is, where it comes from, how it is processed, and what its FDA or regulatory status is. Also ask about the total cost, possible risks, and the alternatives. A licensed eye doctor's evaluation should come before any use.
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.