Travel with serum eye drops: bring them in a carry-on. Keep an eye on and maintain appropriate storage temperature. And check and adhere to local airport security and airline regulations.Â
Are you currently using autologous serum eye drops to manage your dry eye condition? And, are you planning to travel with them in the near future? If yes to both questions, you might find the following article highly informative.
Serum eye drops, among the array of treatments available for dry eyes, come with specific temperature requirements. This article aims to explore the subject of traveling with serum eye drops, offering valuable insights and practical tips to help you and your eye drops stay cool during your upcoming journey.
What are autologous serum eye drops?
Since their introduction in 1975, autologous serum eye drops have emerged as a valuable treatment option for individuals suffering from ocular surface disorders, particularly severe dry eyes.
What makes autologous serum eye drops unique is that they are derived from the patient's own blood, rendering them compositionally and biochemically similar to natural tears. These serum eye drops also contain growth factors from blood, making them effective in providing lubrication and promoting the healing of the epithelial layer of the eye.
The effectiveness of autologous serum eye drops has been supported by recent research. In a systematic review and meta-analysis that analyzed data from several randomized controlled trials involving 267 subjects, autologous serum eye drops were more effective than artificial tears with notable improvements in both subjective symptoms, as measured by the ocular surface disease index scores, and tear film quality measures such as tear film breakup time.1
How are autologous serum eye drops prepared?
The process of creating autologous serum eye drops is straightforward and quick. And understanding how they are prepared helps shed insights into the storage requirements.
- Blood sample collection: A professional technician draws a small blood sample from the patient, following strict sterile controls.
- Centrifugation: The obtained blood sample is allowed to clot and then placed in a centrifuge, where it is spun at high speeds. This centrifugation process separates the blood into its various components.
- Collection of blood serum: The resulting component of interest for the eye drops is the blood serum. This serum closely resembles the composition of natural tears and is collected for further processing.
- Combination with a sterile saline solution: The collected blood serum is then combined with a sterile saline solution. The ratio of serum to saline utilized may vary depending on the severity of the individual's dry eye disease, as determined by their doctor.Â
The entire process, from the initial blood sample collection to the creation of the eye drops, can take up to three hours. And the patient would receive a supply that usually lasts about three months.
How to store autologous serum eye drops?
When it comes to traveling with serum eye drops, there are a few important storage considerations to keep in mind. As discussed above, autologous serum eye drops are derived from the patient's own blood and don’t have any preservative, which means proper handling and storage are crucial to prevent any bacterial growth or contamination.
Many preparation facilities recommend storing serum eye drops in the freezer or -20°C (-4°F). When frozen the eye drops have a storage life of 3 to 6 months from the time of preparation. Make sure to check the expiry date indicated on the label and discard any eye drops that have exceeded their storage life.
The commonly recommended shelf-life after thawing is 7 days. The bottle should always be refrigerated, except for the brief moment when it is being applied. It's important to note that autologous serum eye drops should never be left unrefrigerated. Since they are susceptible to bacterial growth, it's best to discard them if the eye drops reach room temperature.
Can I bring serum eye drops on a plane?
One common concern when traveling with serum eye drops is whether they can be brought on a plane. The regulations may vary from one country to another, but in general, medically necessary eye drops, including serum eye drops, are allowed in your carry-on luggage. However, it's essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure a smooth screening process at the airport.
Additional ice or gel packs used to cool the medically necessary items can be brought to the cabin with appropriate documentation; they are usually also not subject to the usual 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) containers in a quart-sized bag (1 liter) transparent bag requirement.2, 3, 4Â Airport securities of many countries allow for ice or gel as long as they are presented frozen solid during declaration. Placing these items in a separate small bag and separating them from your carry-on baggage can facilitates the screening process.
For extended flights and travels where you may want to keep the eye drops frozen with dry ice, there are specific regulations to be aware of. Airport security and airlines generally allow up to 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) of dry ice. However, there are additional requirements for transporting dry ice. For instance, United Airlines requires that the container can’t be made of materials like styrofoam and should allow the release of carbon dioxide gas. Additional approval check-in and you may be charged extra.5
It's important to remember that airport regulations and airline policy can change, and it's always a good idea to double-check the specific guidelines of the country you're traveling to and from with the airline or airport authority in advance.
4 Practical tips for travel with serum eye drops
When it comes to traveling with serum eye drops, there are some practical tips you can follow to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your medication while traveling.
- Use a cooler or insulated medication travel bag: To keep your serum eye drops at the appropriate temperature, invest in a cooler or an insulated medication travel bag. Don’t count on using the fridge or freezer onboard -- there many not be one. Fill the cooler with ice packs or gel packs that you have pre-frozen. It's best to use gel packs rather than regular ice because they won't melt and potentially contaminate your medication. If you opt for ice, make sure to place it in sealed freezer bags to avoid any water leakage. Remember to keep your cooler with you and away from direct sunlight or a hot car, as even the best coolers can heat up under such conditions.
- You should always have a backup plan for extended trips:Â Airlines may refuse to approve the transportation of dry ice due to its hazardous nature. Additionally, it is important to prioritize ocular safety and minimize the risk of bacteria growth. If you are planning an extended trip, it is recommended to have a backup plan in place. For instance, you can explore the option of locating a facility at your destination that can prepare a fresh batch of eye drops or consider your second choice medication and use an alternative dry eye treatment.
- Monitor with a thermometer: Having a thermometer will allow you to monitor the temperature of your medication. Some medical coolers or insulated packs may already come with a built-in thermometer. However, if yours doesn't, consider purchasing a thermometer and ideally, one that can log the temperature. Look for one with a remote sensor so that you can easily monitor the temperature without having to open the bag. If the thermometer’s log shows the eye drops weren’t within the specified temperature for a significant amount of time, it's best to discard them.
- Access to a refrigerator: When booking your accommodation, try to reserve a room that has a suitable refrigerator with a freezer section. Contact the hotels in advance to ensure you get a room with a refrigerator that operates at the appropriate temperature range for your medication. Don’t count on always having a working freezer section. Additionally, you can purchase USB-powered cooling lids for some of the coolers, which can maintain a temperature range of 36° - 46°F (2 - 8°C). This can also serve as backup storage in case there are issues with the refrigerator.Â
Upon arrival, check the temperature setting of the refrigerator and familiarize yourself with its operation. Keep in mind that some hotel room refrigerators may not cool down enough, and some even have energy-saving modes that automatically shut off after a few hours.
Conclusion
It is generally permissible to carry medically necessary eye drops in your carry-on luggage when traveling by plane. However, it is essential to review and adhere to local regulations, as well as carry the necessary documentation, such as your prescription.Â
If you are traveling with serum eye drops, it is crucial to pay careful attention to their storage requirements. To maintain the appropriate temperature of the serum eye drops, consider using a cooler or insulated bag equipped with ice or gel packs. Additionally, it is advisable to confirm the availability of a suitable refrigerator at your accommodation. For longer journeys, you may explore the option of using dry ice with proper containers and approval from the airline. Remember to always have a contingency plan in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Wishing you a wonderful trip and may you stay "cool" throughout your travels!
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