Posters

Application of platelet rich plasma in corneal dystrophies

Poster Details

First Author: N.Palarie MOLDOVA

Co Author(s):    N. Palii   V. Palarie                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Corneal dystrophies, being a group of rare hereditary disorders, may not significantly affect vision in the early stages, but they may seriously threaten vision as they progress. At the moment the main existing option in corneal dystrophies with sub-optimal vision is corneal transplant. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood product rich in proteins and growth factors which can be rapidly obtained from patient blood. Clinically, it is an affordable treatment with potentially broad spectrum of applications in ophthalmology especially in corneal disorders. Purpose of this study was to evaluate efficiency of PRP in corneal dystrophies.

Setting:

This study was performed in June - October 2019 at the Center of Regenerative Medicine of International Clinic, Orhei, Moldova

Methods:

There were 11 patients with progressing corneal dystrophies aged 15-42 included in the study. Visual acuity varied from 0.1 to 0.3. PRP was obtained from 40-50 ml of peripheral blood, collected into 4 sterile tubes, which were centrifuged at 2700 rpm for 12 minutes. Solid PRP was placed on the cornea and the eye was patched for 24 hours. If necessary, the procedure was repeated. All patients had corneal OCT scan before and after the treatment.

Results:

Improved visual acuity and less subjective symptoms were observed in all patients. Complete healing of cornea was observed in 7 patients and the rest of patients experienced considerable improvement (reduced size and depth of opacity, lack of discomfort and sensation of foreign body, improved visual acuity). None of the patients reported general or local side effects of the treatment.

Conclusions:

PRP is an effective, affordable, safe and natural way of managing corneal dystrophies with sub-optimal vision.

Financial Disclosure:

None