Neurotrophic keratopathy

Harminder S. Dua, Dalia G. Said, Elisabeth M. Messmer, Maurizio Rolando, Jose M. Benitez-Del-Castillo, Parwez N. Hossain, Alex J. Shortt, Gerd Gerling, Mario Nubile, Francisco C. Figueiredo, Saaeha Rauz, Leonardo Mastropasqua, Paolo Rama, Christophe Baudouin

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

86 Citations (Scopus)
868 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Neurotrophic Keratopathy (NK) refers to a condition where corneal epitheliopathy leading to frank epithelial defect with or without stromal ulceration (melting) is associated with reduced or absent corneal sensations. Sensory nerves serve nociceptor and trophic functions, which can be affected independently or simultaneously. Loss of trophic function and consequent epithelial breakdown exposes the stroma making it susceptible to enzymatic degradation. Nerve pathology can range from attrition to aberrant re-generation with corresponding symptoms from anaesthesia to hyperaesthesia/allodynia. Many systemic and ocular conditions, including surgery and preserved medications can lead to NK. NK can be mild (epithelium and tear film changes), moderate (non-healing epithelial defect) or severe (stromal melting and perforation). Moderate and severe NK can profoundly affect vision and adversely impact on the quality of life. Medical management with lubricating agents from artificial tears to serum/plasma drops, anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics and anti-proteases all provide non-specific relief, which may be temporary. Contact lenses, punctal plugs, lid closure with botulinum toxin and surgical interventions like tarsorrhaphy, conjunctival flaps and amniotic membrane provide greater success but often at the cost of obscuring sight. Corneal surgery in a dry ocular surface with reduced sensation is at high risk of failure. The recent advent of biologicals such as biopolymers mimicking heparan sulfate; coenzyme Q10 and antisense oligonucleotide that suppress connexin 43 expression, all offer promise. Recombinant nerve growth factor (cenegermin), recently approved for human use targets the nerve pathology and has the potential of addressing the underlying deficit and becoming a specific therapy for NK.

Original languageEnglish
JournalProgress in Retinal and Eye Research
Early online date23 Apr 2018
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 23 Apr 2018

Keywords

  • keratitis
  • neurotrophic keratopathy
  • trigeminal nerve diseases
  • matrix regenerating agents
  • nerve growth factor

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Neurotrophic keratopathy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this