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Platelet-rich plasma re-epithelializes ocular surface after chemical injury
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Topical platelet-rich plasma eye drops promote rapid re-epithelialization of the ocular surface after acute corneal chemical injury, according to a study.
The randomized, prospective, comparative, double-blind clinical study included 20 eyes of 20 patients with grades 3, 4 and 5 chemical injuries who presented within 3 days of injury.
Eyes were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: 10 eyes in group 1 received autologous platelet-rich plasma eye drops and standard medical treatment, while 10 eyes in group 2 received standard medical treatment alone. Follow-up was conducted at 3, 7, 14, 21, 30, 60 and 90 days.
Complete epithelialization was achieved in all eyes, with a mean time to complete epithelialization of 40 days in group 1 and 47 days in group 2 (P = 0.29). In eyes with grade 3 injuries, the mean time to complete epithelialization was 14 days in group 1 and 28.5 days in group 2 (P = .006).
At 7 days, the epithelial defect area was significantly reduced in group 1 compared to group 2 (P = .02). At 3 months, corneal clarity improved significantly in group 1 compared to group 2 (P = .048).
“Our study observation of significantly smaller epithelial defects at days 7, 14 and 21 in group 1 eyes supports the fact that rapid re-epithelialization and healing are facilitated by topical [platelet-rich plasma] therapy,” the study authors said.
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