Serum Eye Tears in Tarpon Springs
Autologous serum tears — sterile eye drops made from your own blood — for people whose dry eye has not responded to regular drops. Prepared through Anclote Pharmacy, with your blood draw done right here at ARCpoint Labs in Tarpon Springs.
What Serum Tears Are
Serum tears, also called autologous serum eye drops, are made from a small sample of your own blood. The serum is separated and diluted into sterile eye drops at the concentration your doctor prescribes — typically 20 to 30 percent. Because the drops come from your own body, they closely match your natural tears and carry healing factors that artificial tears do not have.
Who They Are For
Doctors prescribe serum tears for severe or chronic dry eye — when over-the-counter drops and prescription drops like Restasis or Xiidra have not been enough. They are commonly used for dry eye after LASIK, graft-versus-host disease, Sjogren's syndrome, and other conditions where the eye surface needs more than lubrication. There are no known side effects, since the drops are made from your own blood.
Watch: Serum Eye Tears, Explained
How It Works
No requisition or special paperwork is needed — serum tears are not FDA regulated, so no prescription is required for concentrations up to 30%.
Storage Made Simple
Keep your bottles in the freezer at -4°F, except the one bottle in use — that one stays in the refrigerator. Frozen bottles are good for a year; a thawed bottle is good for 30 days refrigerated. We send you home with a cooler and ice pack so your drops stay cold from our door to yours.
Talk to our pharmacist
Questions about serum tears, your prescription, storage, or refills? Call us — we will walk you through it.
Call today for your price on a 6-month supply.
.Call 727-944-5800Serum Tears Patient Fact Sheet
Everything patients ask us about serum eye drops — preparing for your blood draw, storing your bottles, traveling with them, and what to do if something seems off.
How do I prepare for my serum tears blood draw?
Drink plenty of water before your appointment. Being well hydrated makes the blood draw faster and easier.
How should I get my serum tears home?
We provide a cooler with an ice pack at pickup. Keep the bottles cold on the way home and get them into your freezer as soon as you arrive.
How do I store serum eye drops?
Store bottles in the freezer at -4°F, except the one bottle you are currently using — that one stays in the refrigerator.
How long do serum tears last?
Frozen bottles are good for up to 1 year. Once thawed, a bottle is good for 30 days in the refrigerator.
How long does one 5mL bottle last?
At one drop per eye, four times a day, a 5mL bottle lasts about 12 to 15 days.
When should I throw a bottle away?
Discard a bottle if it has been left out at room temperature or you suspect it may be contaminated. When in doubt, call us and we will guide you.
What concentration are the drops?
A typical concentration is 20 to 30 percent. For moderate to severe dry eyes — and extremely severe cases — we make higher concentrations such as 50%, 70%, 80%, and 100%. We always confirm with your doctor that the concentration is right for your condition.
Can I travel with serum tears?
Yes. Carry the bottle you are using in a small cooler with an ice pack, and keep spare frozen bottles packed cold. Never leave them in a hot car.
Do I need a requisition or special paperwork?
No. Serum tears are not FDA regulated, so no requisition is required for concentrations up to 30% — just call us to get started.
What if my serum tears stop working?
There are usually three causes: the drops have degraded (check storage and dates), your condition has changed, or something else is irritating your eyes. Call us and we will help you sort through it with your doctor. It is very possible that you might have moderate to severe dry eye issues. Let us know and explain your experience with us so we can guide you to better solutions. You might have moderate to severe dry eyes and that is why you need a higher percentage of your serum tears. We do make 50%, 70%, 80% and 100% serum tears.
Should I stop my other eye drops?
Ask your doctor. Do not stop any prescribed drops on your own — your doctor will tell you what to continue and what to taper. Yes — most patients can stop the majority of their over-the-counter (OTC) lubricant eye drops, such as Refresh, Systane, and similar brands. Confirm with your doctor first.
Are there side effects?
There are no known side effects, since the drops are made from your own blood.
Can I use serum tears during chemotherapy or with other diseases?
That is a question for your doctor, who knows your full medical picture. Bring it up at your next visit before starting.