Serum drops for ocular surface disease: national survey of Canadian cornea specialists.

OBJECTIVE

To review the use and preparation of serum drops for the treatment of ocular surface disease in Canada and to assess the need for an improved access to this therapy.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

Cornea specialist members of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society and Canadian laboratories preparing serum tears.

METHODS

A confidential survey was emailed to participants in April 2016 and continued through September 2016. Descriptive statistics on serum drops accessibility, production, and use are reported.

RESULTS

Thirty-four cornea specialists (out of 93) and 8 laboratories completed the survey. Half of respondents (47%) described serum drops as inaccessible in their practice setting, mainly because of financial (75%) and logistic (66%) barriers. The use of allogeneic serum was perceived as a potential solution to poor accessibility by 62% of ophthalmologists. A private laboratory or pharmacy produced serum drops for 52% of respondents, whereas 32% coordinated serum drop procurement through a hospital laboratory. No serological tests were routinely performed, and sterility checks were done by one laboratory. Over the last year, each laboratory prepared serum tears for 49 ± 32 patients, representing a median of 15 patients per ophthalmologist.

CONCLUSIONS

Although most cornea specialists agree that serum drops are indicated in several refractory ocular surface disorders, there is significant discrepancy in accessibility to this treatment across Canada. This study confirms the need for an improved access to serum drops. Use of autologous serum is limited by logistic and financial barriers, which could be reduced by the introduction of an allogeneic serum drop.