Application of umbilical cord serum eyedrops for recurrent corneal erosions.

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy of umbilical cord serum eyedrops for the treatment of patients with recurrent corneal erosions.

METHODS

Thirty-five eyes of 35 patients with recurrent corneal erosions were studied. Eighteen eyes were treated with 20% umbilical cord serum eyedrops in addition to artificial tears (group A), and 17 eyes received artificial tears only (group B). Frequency of recurrence of corneal erosions was compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The study included 17 male and 18 female patients. Mean age was 46.6 ± 13.4 years, and mean follow-up duration was 14.7 ± 2.5 months. No significant differences in age, sex, and follow-up duration were observed between the 2 groups. In group A, recurrence occurred 2 times in 3 eyes, 1 time in 3 eyes, and did not occur in 12 eyes. In group B, recurrence occurred 5 times in 1 eye, 3 times in 5 eyes, 2 times in 8 eyes, 1 time in 2 eyes, and did not occur in 1 eye. The mean frequency of recurrence was 0.50 ± 0.79 (0.04 ± 0.07 per month) in group A and 2.24 ± 1.09 (0.15 ± 0.08 per month) in group B (P < 0.01). No significant complications associated with serum use were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In the treatment of recurrent corneal erosions, umbilical cord serum eyedrops may be effective in reducing the number of recurrences.