Management of neurotrophic keratopathy

Neurotrophic keratopathy is an epithelial defect associated with fifth nerve damage, arising from numerous etiologies, which can be difficult to treat. Depending on the location of these defects, they can also prove to be sight threatening if treatment is unsuccessful. Several treatment options are available to assist in the resolution of these defects and, due to the serious potential consequences for sight if not well managed, all treatment options should be considered. This reporting of a patient that developed neurotrophic keratopathy after an intraocular surgical procedure includes details of the early, mid and late stages of the epithelial defect, the treatments that were instituted and the outcomes. The various treatments that are available for management of neurotrophic keratopathy and other persistent epithelial defects are discussed.