title: [Use of autologous serum in ophthalmic practice].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish a protocol for the use of autologous serum in the ophthalmic practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Personal experience and a literature review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The use of autologous serum, in eye drop form, has been reported as a new treatment for several ocular surfaces diseases. These products have biomechanical and biochemical properties similar to normal tears. They contain components such as fibronectin, vitamin A and growth factors that have an epitheliotrophic effect on the ocular surface epithelial cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The clinical studies performed showed a variable efficacy, with the preparative process and use of the autologous serum eye drops varying considerably between different studies.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Central de Cruz Roja, Madrid, España. docsantilopez@hotmail.com
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: López-García
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: García-Lozano
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rivas
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martínez-Garchitorena
mesh_terms: D001691:Biological Therapy; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D044967:Serum / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions