Woman usind eyedropper...applying eye drops
Owner of RegenND Naturopathic Clinic, Dr. Autumn Dugas, provides personalized, comprehensive care for patients through an integrative approach that thoughtfully blends naturopathic and conventional medicine. Here, she shares her insights on the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) eye drops for the treatment of chronic dry eye syndrome.
How common are dry eyes?
Extremely common. Dr. Dugas regularly treats patients with chronic dry eyes related to perimenopausal hormone changes, autoimmune conditions, hypothyroidism and prior LASIK surgery. “Living in Montana also plays a role — the dry climate can significantly worsen eye dryness,” Dr. Dugas said.
Do chronically dry eyes cause other symptoms?
“Many people wake up with headaches, burning or a gritty sensation in their eyes,” Dr. Dugas said. “Patients with persistent dryness often squint or blink excessively, which can contribute to premature aging of the delicate muscles around the eyes.”
How are dry eyes diagnosed?
Patients typically receive a diagnosis from an ophthalmologist following a corneal and tear-film evaluation. “In my practice, we also rely heavily on symptoms — chronic redness, irritation or a constant dry feeling,” Dr. Dugas said. “Roughly 75% of my patients already carry a dry eye diagnosis and many have relied on expensive, preservative-containing eye drops for years without lasting relief.”
What are PRP eye drops and how are they different from other eye drops?
PRP eye drops are a regenerative therapy designed for moderate to severe dry eye disease. They are created using the patient’s own blood and are rich in growth factors, vitamins and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support natural tissue healing. “This is not a lifetime therapy,” Dr. Dugas said. “Most patients notice improvement within the first two weeks. On average, optimal results are achieved over about six months as the eyes heal and restore function naturally.”
How are the PRP eye drops made?
Dr. Dugas performs a simple blood draw in the office. The sample is processed in a centrifuge on-site to isolate the platelet-rich plasma used to create the drops. “It typically takes about 30 minutes for preparation and this provides approximately a two-month supply,” Dr. Dugas said.
How much do PRP eye drops cost?
At RegenND, the initial consultation and PRP eye-drop processing fee is $475, with each subsequent cycle priced at $400. “This treatment is not typically covered by insurance,” Dr. Dugas said. “We can provide a superbill for possible reimbursement, but naturopathic care in Montana is generally considered out-of-network. Patients experiencing significant discomfort often feel the investment is worthwhile for the level of relief they experience.”
Are there any side effects?
“Immediately after application, vision may be briefly blurry because PRP is thicker than standard eye drops,” Dr. Dugas said. “Beyond that, we have not observed any adverse side effects.”
Is there anything patients can do on their own to help prevent dry eyes?
“Absolutely. Staying well hydrated supports tear production, and many patients with dry eyes are mildly dehydrated — especially in dry climates like Montana,” said Dr. Dugas. “Supporting the tear film with nutrition is also important. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish or high-quality supplements, can help improve the oil layer of the tear film, which slows tear evaporation. Using a humidifier, especially at night, can make a noticeable difference. Removing eye makeup thoroughly, avoiding old cosmetics and giving the eyes screen-free time can help reduce low-grade inflammation around the eyes.”
Dr. Dugas also recommends the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adequate sleep, protective eyewear outdoors and addressing underlying hormonal changes — especially during perimenopause — through natural support or hormone replacement therapy can make a significant difference.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at RegenND Naturopathic Clinic, visit regennd.com or call 406.384.8362.
