Sublimbal orbital fat transposition in neurotrophic keratopathy: a case series

Abstract

Neurotrophic keratopathy is a progressive condition resulting from corneal denervation, leading to the development and persistence of corneal ulcers. Among the pathogenetic treatment methods there are corneal neurotization, a technically challenging approach associated with a prolonged rehabilitation period, and the usage of recombinant human nerve growth factor (cenegermin), which is practically inaccessible due to its high cost and lack of registration in Russian Federation. We propose a technique of orbital fat transposition to the sclerocorneal pocket for the treatment of persistent ulcers associated with neurotrophic keratopathy. This method is based on neuronal embryology of orbital adipose tissue, as well as the abundance of neurotrophic factors and stem cells. This method was applied to three patients with different etiologies of neurotrophic keratopathy, reaching the observation endpoint in two months after the operation. Visual acuity was ranging from 0.005 to 0.01. All patients received standard therapy for 1–2 months without significant improvement. Surgery was then performed using the proposed technique, which involves repositioning the medial and central orbital fat pads into the sclerocorneal pocket. In the postoperative period, partial epithelialization was observed in all patients during the first week, followed by complete healing and scar formation. The maximum visual acuity in 2 months ranged from 0.06 to 0.3.

Keywords

neurotrophic keratopathy / orbital fat / neurotrophic factors / stem cells

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