NHS National Blood Service http://hospital.blood.co.uk/library/pdf/eye_drops.pdf
'Some patients, for a variety of reasons, suffer from severe dryness of the eye that can lead to redness, itching and pain. Many can be helped by intensive treatment with artificial teardrops. However, for some patients these symptoms are not completely relieved. The National Blood Service (NBS) has recently developed an alternative to these artificial drops. They are called autologous serum eyedrops and are made from a patient’s own blood. These eyedrops naturally contain ingredients that are known to speed up healing and increase lubrication of the surface of the eye. Your Consultant has suggested that you may benefit from this type of treatment.'
Some of us are noticing this service is more accessible this year, esp in regional hospital eye clinics. But some patients are still having difficulty getting referral even with diagnosed autoimmune conditions, Sjogrens, long-term thyroid disorders. Even though chemical eyedrops are causing worsening inflammation, sensitivity reactions, pain, damage.
Has anyone in UK fought this access battle recently and won? Is it a case of doctor-shopping for a progressive and current consultant, or joining the right eye clinic?
'Some patients, for a variety of reasons, suffer from severe dryness of the eye that can lead to redness, itching and pain. Many can be helped by intensive treatment with artificial teardrops. However, for some patients these symptoms are not completely relieved. The National Blood Service (NBS) has recently developed an alternative to these artificial drops. They are called autologous serum eyedrops and are made from a patient’s own blood. These eyedrops naturally contain ingredients that are known to speed up healing and increase lubrication of the surface of the eye. Your Consultant has suggested that you may benefit from this type of treatment.'
Some of us are noticing this service is more accessible this year, esp in regional hospital eye clinics. But some patients are still having difficulty getting referral even with diagnosed autoimmune conditions, Sjogrens, long-term thyroid disorders. Even though chemical eyedrops are causing worsening inflammation, sensitivity reactions, pain, damage.
Has anyone in UK fought this access battle recently and won? Is it a case of doctor-shopping for a progressive and current consultant, or joining the right eye clinic?
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