Experimental Drugs; Surgery
Here's where we get into autologous serum eyedrops (made from your own blood), DHEA drops (addressing hormonal factor in dry eye), or volunteering to be a guinea pig in a clinical trial.
- Autologous serum eyedrops (See below)
- DHEA drops
- Doxycycline eyedrops
- Drugs in clinical trials (visit the Dry Eye Zone for a list of Clinical Trials of Dry Eye Drugs)
- Surgery
In some cases, depending on the cause, there may be reason to explore certain surgical approaches such as tarsorrhaphy (partial surgical closure of the eyelids to limit exposure) or other eyelid interventions.
Some doctors are proponents of amniotic membrane transplantation (specifically in cases of conjunctivochalasis) though we have not seen evidence that dry eye patients are benefitting from this.
These are eyedrops produced from one's blood.
This is not a very common dry eye treatment but in clinical studies has shown promising benefits for some patients. Preparation methods vary, which will presumably also play a role in how well they work. For patients who have failed conventional dry eye treatments, autologous serum may be an option to explore.
SIFI (Italian manufacturer) overview of autologous serum eye drops
NHS (UK national health system) overview of autologous serum eye drop treatment
