Earlier Intervention for Neurotrophic Keratitis?
Overview
A retrospective study involving nearly 1,000 patients supports the use of decellularized basement membrane (DBM) grafts for neurotrophic keratitis (NK). The study found complete corneal epithelial resolution in all cases with follow-up, alongside significant improvements in corneal sensitivity and ocular surface biomarkers.
Background
Neurotrophic keratitis is a condition that can lead to serious ocular complications, including vision loss, if not diagnosed and treated early. The study examines the use of DBM grafts in patients with NK.
Data Highlights
| Brill Severity Group | Corneal Sensitivity Improvement (%) | Osmolarity Normalization (%) | MMP-9 Positivity Conversion (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brill 3 | 0.7 | 70-82 | 56-66 |
| Brill 4 | 31.6 | 70-82 | 56-66 |
| Brill 5 | 77.5 | 70-82 | 56-66 |
Key Findings
- Corneal epithelial resolution occurred in all eyes with complete follow-up.
- Functional corneal sensitivity improved significantly, especially in advanced Brill severity groups.
- 70-82% of eyes with abnormal baseline osmolarity normalized after treatment.
- MMP-9 positivity decreased across all severity groups, with 56-66% of positive eyes converting to negative.
- Mean DBM grafts used varied by disease severity, with an average of 3.70 in Brill 3, 3.08 in Brill 4, and 4.30 in Brill 5.
Clinical Implications
The findings indicate that DBM grafts may be beneficial in cases with compromised corneal sensitivity.
Conclusion
This study provides evidence supporting the use of DBM grafts for neurotrophic keratitis.
Related Resources & Content
- Ayres B, Fram N, Wu H, Feulner L, Desai N, Clinical Ophthalmology, 2023 -- Earlier Intervention for Neurotrophic Keratitis?
- Miller WL, Contact Lens Spectrum, 2010 -- Treating the Results of Neurotrophic Keratitis
- Kenyon KR, Pavan-Langston D, Ophthalmology Management, 2012 -- Neurotrophic Keratopathy: New Treatment Strategies
- Fahmy A, Optometric Management, 2026 -- Managing Neurotrophic Keratitis
- Neurotrophic Keratopathy: Current Concepts, Management, and Emerging Treatments - PubMed, 2026
- Therapeutic efficacy of cenegermin in the management of neurotrophic keratitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PMC, 2026
- optometric management — Managing Neurotrophic Keratitis
- Neurotrophic Keratopathy: Current Concepts, Management, and Emerging Treatments - PubMed
- Therapeutic efficacy of cenegermin in the management of neurotrophic keratitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PMC
- An in vitro comparison of human corneal epithelial cell activity and inflammatory response on differently designed ocular amniotic membranes and a clinical case study - PMC
Based on findings from:
Earlier Intervention for Neurotrophic Keratitis?
The Ophthalmologist, 2026.
https://theophthalmologist.com/issues/2026/articles/september/earlier-intervention-for-neurotrophic-keratitis/
This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.
