Endoret PRGF – Revolutionizing
Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment
Last Modified
Endoret PRGF (Plasma Rich in Growth Factors) is changing the treatment landscape for Dry Eye Syndrome, offering unprecedented relief from dry, itchy, burning eyes to millions of sufferers.
But what is it? And why do our Markham, Ontario optometrists swear by this breakthrough treatment for chronic dry eye patients?
To understand the excitement about Endoret within optometry circles, we must first take a quick look at the scale of the issue it’s designed to treat:
- Dry Eye Syndrome or Dry Eye Disease (DED) is one of the most common, most frustrating, and most physically irritating eye conditions in Canada.
- According to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), nearly 30% of Canadians experience the symptoms associated with dry eye: dryness, burning, irritation, blurred vision, tearing, even vision impairment.
- What’s more, despite the wide availability of artificial tears, lubricating gels, and prescription drops, many patients still feel stuck in a cycle of temporary relief without meaningful, lasting improvement.
It’s enough to make dry eye sufferers cry – if only they had the tears to waste!
A New Regenerative Therapy
But now, a new regenerative therapy, called Endoret PRGF, is offering renewed hope for comfortable eyes and better vision.
Unionville Optometry offers a number of treatments for dry eye symptoms including Lipiflow Treatments, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments, and now Endoret Therapy.
If you’re exploring long-term solutions for your own Dry Eye Syndrome, understanding how Endoret therapy works is the first step towards finding meaningful relief. In this article, we will help you do exactly that, covering:
- What Endoret PRGF is
- The scientific development of Endoret PRGF
- How Endoret therapy works
- Success rates and clinical research findings
- Regulatory approval and safety
- What patients can expect during treatment
So, read on for everything you need to know about how this cutting-edge therapy is transforming how eye doctors, including our own expert Markham, Ontario optometrists, approach Dry Eye Syndrome.
What Is Endoret PRGF?
Endoret PRGF therapy is a form of “autologous” regenerative medicine, meaning it uses your body’s own biological material to stimulate healing.
Developed in Spain by the pioneering research of Dr. Eduardo Anitua, this innovative approach harnesses the power of platelet-rich plasma to promote tissue regeneration and alleviate symptoms associated with dry eyes.
Unlike traditional dry eye treatments that mostly focus on lubrication, Endoret PRGF works by targeting the underlying cause of dryness: damage or dysfunction of the ocular surface tissues. By supplying concentrated growth factors directly to the eye, Endoret supports natural healing, reduces inflammation, and helps restore tear film stability.
This represents a major shift in dry eye management: instead of simply masking symptoms, Endoret encourages regeneration of healthier tissue, healing the problem from within.
How Endoret Therapy Works
Although the science behind Endoret PRGF is advanced, the procedure itself is surprisingly simple, safe, and minimally invasive, making use of your body’s own natural, regenerative powers:
Step 1: Blood draw
Patients are referred to a lab where a small sample of the patient’s blood is collected – similar to a routine lab test.
Step 2: Centrifugation
The blood is placed in a centrifuge, where spinning separates the plasma layer from other blood components. This plasma contains a high concentration of platelets and biologically active growth factors.
Step 3: Preparing and administering the PRGF solution
The resulting platelet-rich Endoret plasma, enriched with healing compounds, is then applied directly to the affected eye(s) of the patient.
Step 4: Patient treatment (at home)
Patients receive a personalized vial(s) of Endoret drops to use over a prescribed treatment period, typically three months, allowing the growth factors to continuously nourish the ocular surface. Once applied, the growth factors in the Endoret solution:
- Stimulate ocular tissue repair
- Reduce inflammation, a major driver of dry eye discomfort
- Promote tear production and stability
- Enhance overall ocular surface health
Over time, these regenerative effects help restore comfort, clarity, and function to dry eyes.
What to Expect Before, During & After Endoret Dry Eye Treatment
Endoret PRGF therapy is straightforward and convenient, making it simple for patients to find significant relief from dry eye. Here’s what you can expect as an Endoret adopter:
Before treatment
Patients undergo a comprehensive dry eye evaluation with our Markham, Ontario optometrists. This helps determine whether Endoret is the right treatment or whether another therapy should be combined for optimal results.
During treatment
Patients are referred to a partner lab where blood is drawn. Once that blood has been processed, the resulting PRGF solution is applied directly the eye(s) in the form of a sterile drop. During this part of treatment, patients might experience mild discomfort or a sensation of pressure. However, these sensations are temporary and generally well-tolerated. Following the procedure, patients can resume their daily activities with minimal downtime.
After treatment
Patients are given a vial(s) of sterile Endoret PRGF eye drops for use at home, typically several times per day for three months. During this period, many patients notice:
- A gradual reduction in dryness
- Less irritation and burning
- Improved eye comfort during screen use
- Better vision consistency
- Enhanced overall eye health
Some patients experience improvements within a few weeks; for others, benefits build steadily over several months. (Because Endoret works by regeneration, changes may feel subtle at first but become more noticeable over time.)
Regardless of the length of time before results are noticeable, and while individual results vary, the majority of our patients at Unionville Optometry have experienced significant, long-lasting relief from Endoret PRGF therapy.
Endoret Success Rates, Clinical Studies & Real-World Evidence
The effectiveness of Endoret PRGF is supported by a strong and growing body of clinical research. One landmark study, published in the Journal of Ophthalmology, found that Endoret significantly improved both:
- Subjective symptoms (dryness, burning, irritation, visual fluctuations)
- Objective clinical markers (tear break-up time, corneal staining, tear osmolarity)
In non-science speak, this means a marked improvement in
- tear film stability,
- daily eye comfort and
- visual clarity,
With patients in this study reporting a notable reduction in
- dry eye symptoms,
- irritation, and
- vision problems.
Other clinical trials report similarly impressive results, with a high percentage of patients experiencing meaningful and lasting relief even when previous treatments had failed.
Why Endoret Works So Well
Unlike artificial tears, which only temporarily coat the eye, Endoret PRGF delivers biologically active molecules that stimulate healing at the cellular level. This regenerative effect leads to improvements that continue even after the course of treatment ends.
Regulatory Approval & Worldwide Adoption of Endoret
Endoret PRGF has received significant global recognition, with regulatory approval or clinical acceptance in:
- Canada
- United States
- Spain & other EU countries
- United Kingdom
In Canada, Health Canada has approved PRGF and platelet-rich plasma technology for wound healing applications, including ophthalmic use. As more eye specialists and medical professionals see positive outcomes, its adoption as a treatment for dry eye and other health issues continues to expand across clinics and medical centers.
Here at Unionville Optometry, we are proud to be leading the charge to offer real relief to dry eye sufferers!
Is Endoret PRGF Right for You?
Endoret PRGF therapy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive solution which is ideal for patients:
- With chronic or moderate-to-severe Dry Eye Syndrome
- Who have not found relief from artificial tears or medications
- Who are interested in a natural, regenerative approach
- Experiencing dryness related to age, surgery, contact lenses, or autoimmune conditions
Of course, every patient’s eyes are unique: our optometrists will evaluate your eye health, including ocular surface, tear film, inflammation markers, and gland function to determine the best dry eye treatment option for you.
If you’re tired of living with persistent dry eye symptoms and are ready for a more advanced solution, contact Unionville Optometry today to find out if Endoret therapy is right for you:
Call: 1-905-477-4488
Visit: Unionville Optometry Dry Eye Clinic, Markham ON
Book with our optometrists: Dr. Krista Innamorato or Dr. Mark Innamorato
FAQs: Your Quick Guide to Endoret PRGF
What is Endoret PRGF therapy?
Endoret is a regenerative treatment that uses plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) from your own blood to heal the ocular surface and relieve Dry Eye Syndrome. It is also used for othe rmedical conditions.
How does Endoret work?
A small sample of the patient’s blood is taken and centrifuged to separate the plasma containing concentrated platelets and growth factors. The resulting concentrated natural growth factors are then processed into a sterile drop and applied directly to the eye, resulting in reduced inflammation, repaired tissue, and enhanced tear film function.
Is Endoret PRGF safe?
Yes, Endoret therapy is considered safe when performed by qualified healthcare professionals in a clinical setting. Furthermore, since the therapy utilizes the patient’s own blood components, there is minimal risk of adverse reactions or rejection. Additionally, stringent protocols are followed to ensure the sterility and quality of the PRGF solution, further minimizing any potential risks.
How long does Endoret treatment take?
An Endoret PRGF treatment session typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes, including preparation and administration. Patients then use the eye drops at home for several weeks up to three months.
What will I feel during an Endoret PRGF treatment session?
You may experience mild discomfort or a sensation of pressure as the PRGF solution is applied to the eye(s). However, these sensations are temporary and generally well-tolerated.
How many sessions do I need?
Many patients improve after one or two courses. More severe cases may require multiple sessions spaced out over several weeks to achieve optimal results.
How long do results last?
Results vary, but many patients experience long-lasting relief due to the regenerative nature of the therapy. Others may require periodic maintenance treatments to sustain the benefits. A comprehensive evaluation by an ophthalmologist can help determine the appropriate treatment frequency and duration for each patient.
Is Endoret covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your provider. We recommend checking your benefits directly.
Who is a good candidate for Endoret dry eye treatment?
Anyone diagnosed with chronic dry eye, especially those who have not improved with conventional dry eye treatments.