What it is
Platelet rich plasma (often shortened to PRP) is a portion of blood that has been processed to contain a higher concentration of platelets than normal blood. Platelet rich plasma eye drops are preparations made from that material and used on the surface of the eye. Platelets carry natural proteins and growth-related components, which is why this topic comes up in conversations about the ocular surface.
Regulatory status matters here. Platelet rich plasma eye drops are not an FDA-approved drug. They are typically prepared from the patient's own blood by a pharmacy or a clinical setting, and practices, sources and processing methods can differ from one place to another. Because of that variation, it is worth asking a provider exactly how a specific preparation is made.
PRP drops are often compared with autologous serum tears, which are also made from a patient's own blood and are also pharmacy-compounded rather than FDA-approved. They are also compared with allogeneic (donor) serum tears and with amniotic-derived drops or serums. Most amniotic-derived eye drops and serums are likewise not FDA-approved as drugs, while some amniotic membrane devices follow a different pathway as human tissue products. These are separate categories and should not be treated as interchangeable.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Dry eye has long been approached in steps, often beginning with over-the-counter artificial tears, lifestyle and environment adjustments, and care for the eyelids and oil glands. Eye doctors have also used prescription drops, punctal plugs and other in-office approaches depending on what an evaluation finds.
Biologic drops, meaning those made from blood or tissue, have generally been discussed when a person and their eye doctor are exploring options beyond more common ones. Autologous serum tears have a longer history of use in this setting than platelet rich plasma eye drops, which are often described as a newer or less standardized option.
Because preparations are not uniform, approaches to PRP drops vary between clinicians and compounding sources. Some eye doctors are familiar with them and others prefer different options. Neither view is wrong, and a conversation with a licensed eye doctor can clarify what is available and appropriate locally.
How the right eye doctor may help
A licensed eye doctor may help by first looking at why your eyes feel dry, gritty or irritated. A visit generally includes a conversation about your symptoms, health history, medications and daily habits, followed by an examination of the front surface of the eye and the eyelids. Dry eye can have several causes, and sorting them out is usually the starting point.
If biologic drops are something you are curious about, your eye doctor may explain whether they could be a reasonable topic for your situation, or whether other options make more sense. Only a licensed clinician can decide what is appropriate after an evaluation, and there are no promises about outcomes.
Helpful questions to bring: What is the specific product, and where does it come from? How is it prepared and processed? What is its FDA or regulatory status? How does it differ from autologous serum tears, donor serum tears or amniotic drops? What is the total cost, including blood draws, compounding and follow-up visits? What risks or limits should I know about?
The whole-person view
Eyes, body and mind affect one another. Ongoing eye discomfort can make focusing, reading, working and sleeping harder, and stress or poor sleep can in turn make symptoms feel more noticeable. Paying attention to the whole picture, including screen habits, rest, hydration and overall health, is part of caring for yourself alongside any eye care.
If long-term discomfort is wearing on you, support can come from several directions. Somatic Experiences offers body-based support for stress, and Therapists.plus connects people with talk therapy. These do not replace eye care, but some people find them helpful companions to it.
Keep in mind
- Platelet rich plasma eye drops are not an FDA-approved drug, and only a licensed eye doctor can decide whether any biologic drop is appropriate for you after an evaluation.
- Do not try to make or source eye drops from blood on your own; products placed in the eye should be prepared under professional oversight.
- Sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, or a red, painful eye need prompt professional attention; in an emergency call 911.
- If eye problems are affecting your mood or you feel overwhelmed, 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 platelet rich plasma eye drops?
Platelet rich plasma eye drops are drops made from a patient's own blood that has been processed to concentrate platelets. They are sometimes discussed in the context of dry eye treatment. They are not an FDA-approved drug, so it is important to ask a licensed eye doctor about any specific preparation.
Are platelet rich plasma eye drops FDA approved?
No, platelet rich plasma eye drops are not an FDA-approved drug. They are typically prepared from a person's own blood by a pharmacy or clinical setting. Ask your eye doctor about the source, processing and regulatory status of any product.
Is platelet rich plasma the same as autologous serum tears?
No, they are related but different preparations. Both are made from a patient's own blood, but PRP is processed to concentrate platelets, while serum tears use the liquid portion of blood after clotting. Neither is an FDA-approved drug, and an eye doctor can explain how they differ.
How do PRP eye drops compare with amniotic eye drops?
They come from different sources: PRP drops come from your own blood, while amniotic drops come from donated birth tissue. 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 separate pathway. Ask a provider about the specific product involved.
Can PRP eye drops cure dry eye?
No, no one can promise that any eye drop will cure dry eye. Dry eye has many causes, and a licensed eye doctor can evaluate yours and discuss options that may be appropriate. Results vary from person to person.
What should I ask my eye doctor about platelet rich plasma eye drops for dry eye treatment?
Ask what the product is, where it comes from, how it is prepared, and what its FDA or regulatory status is. Also ask about the total cost, risks, and how it compares with other dry eye treatment options such as autologous or donor serum tears. Your eye doctor can tell you whether it is appropriate after an evaluation.
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.