Typical process to obtain autologous serum eye drops

1.     Ophthalmologist/optometrist prescription and order: Your eye doctor evaluates you and (if appropriate) writes a prescription or places an order with Your Serum Tears. However, no prescription is required to get your autologous serum eye drops made.

2.     Blood draw (phlebotomy): The doctor, clinic, or patient, arranges for a blood draw at Any Lab Test Now. Mobile phlebotomy is also an option for an additional fee.

3.     Sterile processing: The collection site, Any Lab Test Now, allows the blood to clot and then centrifuges to separate serum, then dilutes the serum with sterile, preservative‑free saline to the prescribed concentration, aliquot into sterile dropper vials, using aseptic sterile technique (AseptiKits™).

4.     Packaging and delivery: The finished vials are labeled and can be picked up at Any Lab Test Now same day. If shipping is needed it will be shipped under refrigerated/cold‑chain conditions. Instructions on storage (refrigeration/freezer) and on how long opened/closed vials can be used will be provided with the vials.

5.     Usage and follow-up: Your eye doctor prescribes frequency/duration, monitors response and any adverse effects, and reorders as needed. Because serum drops are preservative‑free and biologic, strict handling and storage are important to reduce contamination risk.

• Hydrate well (drink plenty of water) the day before and the morning of the draw. Good hydration makes venous access easier and is commonly recommended by programs that prepare serum tears.

• Fasting is not required but do not eat a fatty meal the day before or day of your blood draw.

• Continue essential medications (e.g., blood‑pressure, heart, thyroid meds).

• Bring photo ID and any paperwork the lab/clinic requested.

Tell the team about recent infections, tattoos, piercings, or travel and any concerns about blood‑borne diseases.

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• Faster corneal epithelial healing and support for persistent epithelial defects (ASEDs contain growth factors, vitamins and fibronectin that promote epithelial repair). (journals.lww.com)

• Symptom improvement (reduced dryness, pain,foreign-body sensation) and improved patient-reported scores in many trials. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

• Better tear-film stability and objective signs such as increased tear-breakup time (TBUT) and reduced corneal/conjunctival staining in several studies versus artificial tears. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

• Usefulness in specific severe conditions (Sjögren syndrome, ocular graft-versus-host disease, post‑surgical non‑healing corneas, persistent epithelial defects) where standard lubricants often fail. (tfosdewsreport.org).

• ‍ ‍Composition: Serum tears contain tear‑like growth factors, vitamins and proteins (eg, EGF, fibronectin) that can promote epithelial healing and more closely mimic natural tears than lubricant-only artificial tears. This is discussed in clinical reviews and specialty journals. (journals.lww.com).

• If you have moderate–severe or refractory dry eye, serum tears can be a useful next step because it offers biologically active components that artificial tears lack.

What autologous serum eye drops are and how they’re made

• Autologous serum eye drops are prepared from a patient’s own blood: the blood is drawn, centrifuged to separate serum, diluted with sterile saline, and then bottled under sterile conditions for ocular use. They are intended to more closely mimic natural tears than standard artificial tears. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Mechanisms by which they can help dry-eye symptoms

• Replace and supplement tear film components: serum contains water, electrolytes and tear-like proteins that act as a lubricating substitute. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

• Provide growth factors and nutrients that support the ocular surface: serum supplies epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibronectin, vitamin A, albumin and other trophic factors that promote epithelial cell health, surface healing, and nerve support-helping to repair damaged corneal and conjunctival epithelium. (ioa.org)

• Reduce inflammation and improve ocular surface environment: by promoting epithelial integrity and modulating the surface milieu, serum drops can reduce symptoms driven by surface damage and inflammation. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

What the clinical evidence says

• Some randomized trials and multiple observational studies report symptom improvement (often within ~2 weeks) and better ocular-surface staining/epithelial healing compared with conventional artificial tears in certain patients, particularly moderate-to-severe or treatment-refractory cases. (time.com)

Practical considerations and safety

• Generally considered safe when prepared and stored correctly, but risks include contamination if handled improperly and variability in product concentration between providers. Clinical monitoring by an eye care professional is recommended. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Summary (short): Autologous serum drops help by supplying tear-like fluid plus growth factors/nutrients (EGF, fibronectin, vitamin A, albumin, etc.) that promote epithelial healing, lubrication, and improved ocular-surface health. Many patients, especially those with moderate-to-severe or refractory dry eye, report symptom relief, but systematic reviews note the overall evidence quality is limited and not yet definitive. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Patients can have their blood drawn at either of the following approved collection partner locations:

Any Lab Test Now in Austin, Texas
Any Lab Test Now in Corpus Christi, Texas
Any Lab Test Now in San Angelo, Texas

After your blood is collected, the serum is prepared and processed by Your Serum Tears

• Your Serum Tears (Austin, Corpus, San Angelo) - a Texas-based company provides autologous serum tears. They work with providers and eye clinics and can make patient-specific serum tears.

• Ask whether the clinic arranges a blood draw (in‑office or mobile phlebotomy) and whether the drops are prepared on‑site or shipped.

• If you are in Texas reach out to Your Serum Tears for more information.

No. You will receive an insulated transport package with a frozen cold pack to keep your serum tears chilled for the trip home. If you have a long drive (more than 1–2 hours), you may want to bring a small cooler with ice for additional temperature control.

• Place most of your bottles in the freezer immediately after arriving home. Keep the bottle you are currently using in the refrigerator.

  • Freezer storage: -4°F (-20°C) or colder

  • Refrigerator storage: 39°F (4°C) or colder

• Long‑term storage: unopened/extra bottles are kept frozen until you need them. This preserves the drops until you thaw a vial for use.

• Bottle in current use: keep the vial you are actively using refrigerated at all times. Many providers instruct patients to store the opened vial in the fridge and return unused vials to the freezer.

• Do not refreeze a vial after it has been thawed. Protect vials from light and follow the label for discard timelines

• Typical discard/use windows: A thawed vial is good for 30 days in the refrigerator.  Frozen vials are good for 1 year in the freezer.

How to apply and handle the drops safely

• Hygiene: always wash your hands first. Avoid touching the tip of the bottle or your eye to prevent contamination. Cap the vial immediately after use and put back in refrigerator.

• Dosage and schedule: dosing is individualized by your prescriber. Typical regimens are on the order of 1 drop per eye several times per day (examples often range from 1–2 drops, 2–8 times/day depending on the condition). Use only as directed by your ophthalmologist.

• Co‑administration with other eye medications: wait a few minutes (commonly 5–10 minutes) between different topical eye medications to avoid dilution/washout, and follow your prescriber’s sequencing instruction.

Safety and other notes

• Single‑patient use: serum eye drops are prepared for one patient only. Do not share or transfer vials between people.

• If a vial becomes cloudy, smells unusual, or you develop increased redness, pain, discharge, or vision changes after using the drops, stop use and contact your eye care provider immediately.

• Frozen bottles: up to 12 months from processing date

• Thawed bottles: use within 30 days when refrigerated

Always label bottles with the date you begin using them.

For patients using one drop in each eye four times daily, a typical 5 mL bottle lasts about two weeks. Using drops more frequently will shorten that timeframe.

If the drops have been left unrefrigerated for an extended period or feel warm, it is safest to discard the bottle and begin a new one from the freezer.

Avoid touching the bottle tip to your eye, fingers, or other surfaces. If contact occurs and you are unsure about contamination, it is best to replace the bottle with a new one.

Many patients begin with a 20% concentration, which can be adjusted if needed. Your eye care provider may recommend a higher concentration depending on your symptoms and response to treatment.

When traveling, keep the bottles cold in a cooler with ice packs. Drops stored at refrigerator temperatures can generally remain usable for up to 30 days. If flying, check airline guidelines regarding transporting medications and medical liquids.

Serum tears are made from your own blood and do not require a prescription. Patients are encouraged to discuss treatment with their eye care professional to ensure it is appropriate for their condition.

Do not discontinue prescription eye medications without speaking with your doctor. Your provider can determine whether serum tears should replace or complement other treatments.

Serum tears are derived from your own blood serum and sterile saline, which makes them generally well tolerated. Most patients do not experience significant side effects.

Patients with medical conditions or ongoing treatments should consult their physician before starting serum tears to ensure they are appropriate for their specific situation.