Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Eye Drops: Uses & Dosage

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Eye Drops are a special type of eye medicine prepared from your own blood, used to help heal severe dry eye and other serious surface conditions of the eye.

Drug class	Blood-Derived
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	Autologous
Common Indian brands	Hospital/lab-prepared from patient's blood
Prescription status	Prescription (hospital-prepared)

What Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Eye Drops is used for

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Eye Drops are a unique and advanced treatment used by ophthalmologists at Pristine Eye Hospitals for specific, challenging eye conditions. These drops are specially prepared from your own blood to promote healing and provide relief.

Your doctor may prescribe PRP Eye Drops if you are suffering from:

Severe Dry Eye: When standard treatments are not enough to relieve persistent dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
Persistent Epithelial Defect: This refers to a wound or sore on the surface of your cornea (the clear front part of your eye) that is not healing properly.
Neurotrophic Keratitis: A serious condition where the nerves in your cornea are damaged, leading to reduced sensation and poor healing of the eye’s surface.

These conditions can significantly impact your vision and quality of life, and PRP Eye Drops offer a targeted approach to support the natural healing processes of your eye.

How it works

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Eye Drops work by harnessing the natural healing power found within your own blood. Here’s a simple explanation of how it helps your eyes:

When you get a cut or injury anywhere in your body, tiny cells in your blood called platelets rush to the site. These platelets are not just for clotting blood; they also contain a rich supply of growth factors and other healing proteins.

For PRP Eye Drops, a small sample of your blood is taken, similar to a routine blood test. This blood is then processed in a special laboratory to concentrate these platelets and their beneficial growth factors. This concentrated solution is what becomes your PRP Eye Drops.

When these drops are applied to your eye, the concentrated platelets release these growth factors directly onto the surface of your eye. These growth factors act like messengers, encouraging the cells on your eye’s surface to repair and regenerate. This helps to heal wounds, reduce inflammation, and improve the overall health of the ocular surface, providing relief and promoting recovery for conditions like severe dry eye, persistent epithelial defects, and neurotrophic keratitis.

Because these drops are made from your own blood (autologous), they are very well-tolerated and designed to work in harmony with your body’s natural healing mechanisms.

How it’s used

Using Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Eye Drops correctly is crucial for their effectiveness. Always follow the specific instructions given by your ophthalmologist at Pristine Eye Hospitals.

Typically, these drops are prescribed to be used 4 to 8 times a day. Your doctor will tell you the exact frequency and duration based on your specific eye condition and how you are responding to the treatment.

Here are general guidelines on how to instil eye drops:

Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or the eye drop bottle.
Prepare the Drop: If your drops are stored in the refrigerator (which is common for PRP drops), take out one dose just before use.
Tilt Your Head: Gently tilt your head backward.
Create a Pouch: Use one hand to gently pull down your lower eyelid, creating a small pouch.
Instil the Drop: Hold the dropper bottle upside down with the other hand, positioning it directly over your eye. Do not let the tip of the bottle touch your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pouch you created.
Close Your Eye: Gently close your eye for a minute or two. Do not blink excessively or squeeze your eyes shut, as this can push the medicine out.
Clean Up: If any excess liquid runs down your cheek, gently wipe it away with a clean tissue.
Repeat if Necessary: If you need to use drops in both eyes, repeat the process for the other eye.
Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands again after instilling the drops.

Remember, PRP Eye Drops require special handling and storage due to their unique preparation. Your hospital staff will provide detailed instructions on how to store them, usually requiring cold storage. Never use drops that look discoloured or cloudy, or if the expiry date has passed. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double dose to make up for a missed one. If you have any doubts or concerns, always contact your ophthalmologist or the hospital.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Hospital/lab-prepared from patient's blood

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Good to know

Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. This is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.

Precautions & side effects

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Eye Drops are a highly specialised treatment, and certain precautions are essential to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Always discuss any concerns with your ophthalmologist at Pristine Eye Hospitals.

Autologous Preparation: These eye drops are ‘autologous,’ meaning they are prepared specifically from your own blood. This is a significant advantage as it minimises the risk of allergic reactions or rejection. However, it also means that the preparation process is unique to each patient and requires a blood draw.
Lab Preparation: The process of creating PRP Eye Drops involves a specialised laboratory procedure to extract and concentrate the platelets from your blood. This preparation is done under strict sterile conditions to ensure the safety and quality of the drops.
Cold Storage: PRP Eye Drops are delicate and must be stored under specific cold conditions, typically in a refrigerator. It is crucial to follow the storage instructions provided by the hospital carefully to maintain their potency and prevent spoilage. Do not freeze the drops unless specifically instructed.
Prescription Medicine: PRP Eye Drops are a prescription eye medicine. They must only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
Hospital/Clinic Setting: This treatment is always given by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use without proper medical supervision. The initial preparation and ongoing monitoring require professional medical oversight.
Contamination: Always ensure that the tip of the dropper bottle does not touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface to prevent contamination of the drops.
Expiry: Do not use the drops beyond the expiry date provided by the hospital or if they appear discoloured or cloudy.

If you experience any unusual irritation, redness, pain, or vision changes after using the drops, stop using them and contact your ophthalmologist immediately. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we understand that dealing with eye conditions can be concerning. This section provides general information about the conditions PRP Eye Drops treat, how to correctly use eye drops, and important hygiene and storage tips to help you manage your eye health effectively.

Understanding Severe Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Conditions

Our eyes naturally produce tears to keep them moist, comfortable, and protected. Tears are a complex mix of water, oils, and mucus, and they play a vital role in clear vision. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, you can experience dry eye. Symptoms often include a stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation, redness, sensitivity to light, and sometimes even watery eyes as a reflex to irritation.

While many cases of dry eye can be managed with over-the-counter lubricating drops, severe dry eye and other ocular surface conditions like persistent epithelial defect (a non-healing wound on the eye’s surface) or neurotrophic keratitis (nerve damage affecting corneal healing) require more advanced treatments. These conditions can be very uncomfortable and, if left untreated, can affect your vision and eye health. PRP Eye Drops are a targeted solution for these more challenging cases, designed to promote healing and restore the health of your eye’s surface.

Correctly Using Eye Drops: A Step-by-Step Guide

Properly instilling eye drops is essential for the medicine to work effectively and to prevent contamination. Here’s a detailed guide:

Hygiene First: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling eye drops. This is the most crucial step to prevent introducing germs into your eyes.
Check the Bottle: Ensure you have the correct eye drops and check the expiry date. If your PRP drops require refrigeration, take out only the dose you need just before use.
Prepare for Instillation: Gently shake the bottle if instructed by your doctor. Remove the cap, being careful not to touch the tip of the dropper.
Position Yourself: You can sit or lie down. Tilt your head backward, looking up at the ceiling.
Create a Pouch: With the index finger of one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket or pouch.
Instil the Drop: Hold the dropper bottle upside down with your other hand, positioning it directly over your eye. Try to keep your hand steady. Without letting the tip touch your eye, eyelid, or eyelashes, gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pouch.
Close Your Eye Gently: After instilling the drop, gently close your eye for about one to two minutes. Avoid blinking excessively or squeezing your eyes shut, as this can push the medicine out of your eye.
Apply Pressure (Optional): Some doctors recommend gently pressing your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for a minute or two. This can help prevent the drop from draining into your tear duct and increase its contact time with your eye.
Wipe Excess: If any liquid runs down your cheek, gently wipe it away with a clean tissue.
Recap and Store: Replace the cap on the bottle immediately. Store the drops as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist (e.g., in the refrigerator for PRP drops).

If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to allow each drop to be absorbed properly.

General Eye Care, Storage, and When to Seek Help

Maintaining good eye hygiene and following storage instructions are vital for your eye health and the effectiveness of your medication. For PRP Eye Drops, cold storage is typically required, and the hospital will provide specific instructions. Never use drops that appear cloudy, discoloured, or have passed their expiry date. Always keep all medicines out of reach of children.

It’s important to be vigilant about your eye health. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as increased pain, severe redness, swelling, discharge, sudden changes in vision, or if your current treatment doesn’t seem to be working, contact Pristine Eye Hospitals immediately. Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome for your eyes. Remember, your ophthalmologist is your best resource for personalised advice and care.

Frequently asked questions

What are Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Eye Drops used for?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Eye Drops are used to treat severe dry eye, persistent epithelial defects (wounds on the eye's surface that don't heal), and neurotrophic keratitis (a condition where corneal nerves are damaged, affecting healing).

How do PRP Eye Drops work?

PRP Eye Drops work by using concentrated platelets from your own blood. These platelets release growth factors that help to heal the surface of your eye, promoting repair and regeneration of the ocular surface.

Are there specific brands of PRP Eye Drops available in India?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Eye Drops are not sold under commercial brand names. They are specially prepared from the patient's own blood in a hospital or lab setting.

How often should I use PRP Eye Drops?

Typically, PRP Eye Drops are prescribed to be used 4 to 8 times a day. Your ophthalmologist will give you specific instructions on the exact frequency and duration for your condition.

Do I need a prescription for PRP Eye Drops?

Yes, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Eye Drops are a prescription medicine. They are prepared in a hospital or clinic setting from your own blood and must only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. They are never for self-use.

What are the key precautions for using PRP Eye Drops?

Key precautions include that these drops are prepared from your own blood (autologous), require specialised lab preparation, and must be stored under cold conditions. They are a prescription medicine and should only be used as directed by a specialist in a hospital or clinic setting. Always ensure the dropper tip does not touch your eye or any surface to prevent contamination.

References

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.