Endoscopic Corneal Neurotization: Cadaver Feasibility Study.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurosurgery
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Corneal nerve damage can impair sensation and healing.
• Current treatments for corneal neuropathy have limitations.
• Restoring corneal innervation is a therapeutic goal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a minimally invasive corneal neurotization technique.
• To investigate endoscopic harvesting of the supraorbital nerve for this purpose.
• To evaluate nerve transfer to the corneoscleral limbus.

Main Methods:

• A cadaver feasibility study was conducted.
• Endoscopic harvesting of the supraorbital nerve was performed.
• The nerve was transferred to the corneoscleral limbus.

Main Results:

• Successful endoscopic corneal neurotization was achieved in all cadaveric hemifaces.
• The technique demonstrated technical feasibility.
• The endoscopic approach facilitated minimally invasive access.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic supraorbital nerve transfer is a feasible technique for corneal neurotization.
• This minimally invasive approach holds promise for restoring corneal sensation.
• Further research may explore clinical applications for corneal nerve regeneration.