Umbilical cord serum may reduce recurrences of corneal erosions

Cornea. 2011;30(7):744-748.

The use of 20% umbilical cord serum eye drops may reduce the number of episodes of recurrent corneal erosions, according to a study.

In a study of patients with recurrent corneal erosions, 18 eyes were instilled with 20% umbilical cord serum eye drops along with artificial tears to comprise group A, while 17 eyes in group B received only artificial tears. In both groups, the eye drops were instilled four to six times per day. Visual acuity measurement and slit lamp biomicroscopy were performed before treatment and every month after treatment.

In group A, recurrence occurred twice in three eyes, once in three eyes and not at all in 12 eyes. In group B, recurrence occurred five times in one eye, three times in five eyes, twice in eight eyes, once in two eyes and not at all in one eye. Recurrences in group A, at a mean frequency of 0.04 per month, were significantly lower than in group B, at a mean frequency of 0.15 per month.

Compared with autologous serum, which is known to be effective in treating corneal erosions, umbilical cord serum also contains a high concentration of essential tear components and many growth factors, the authors said. However, the use of umbilical cord serum may be more practical for long-term use, because autologous serum requires repeated blood collection from patients, whereas a large amount of umbilical cord serum can be obtained from the umbilical cord vein at one time and serum eye drops can be prepared in advance, the authors said.