Neurotrophic keratopathy and refractive surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Corneal nerve function is crucial for ocular health and is impacted by refractive surgery.
• Refractive procedures can damage corneal nerves, increasing the risk of keratopathy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the effects of refractive surgery on corneal nerve function.
• To assess the risk of neurotrophic keratopathy following refractive surgery.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent studies on refractive surgery outcomes.
• Analysis of corneal nerve changes using in vivo confocal microscopy.

Main Results:

• Refractive surgery, including LASIK, PRK, and SILK, alters corneal nerve anatomy and function.
• Postoperative nerve density decreases, but re-innervation and functional recovery are observed.
• Long-term outcomes are generally positive, though complications like dry eye and neurotrophic keratopathy can occur.

Conclusions:

• Neurotrophic keratopathy is a rare but serious complication of refractive surgery, linked to corneal nerve damage.
• Careful patient selection and counseling are vital to mitigate risks.