Autoimmune markers linked to lower corneal nerve density in neurotrophic keratopathy

Patients with neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) with positive autoimmune serology have significantly lower corneal nerve density compared to those without autoimmune markers, according to a poster presented at the 2025 World Cornea Congress.

Researchers analyzed data from 31 adult patients who had available autoimmune serology and IVCM imaging.

Overall, 66.7% of patients tested positive for ≥1 autoimmune marker, with antinuclear antibodies being the most common (61.3%), followed by rheumatoid factor (16.1%) and Anti-Ro (16.1%). Patients with positive autoimmune markers had significantly lower total corneal nerve density (median: 0.09 mm/mm²) compared to those without (median: 2.53 mm/mm²; P = 0.033).

The findings suggest that autoimmune-related NK may be associated with greater corneal nerve damage.

Reference
Balbuena-Pareja A, et al. Lower Corneal Nerve Density Observed in Neurotrophic Keratopathy Patients with Positive Autoimmune Markers. Poster presented at: 2025 World Cornea Congress; March 20-22, 2025; Washington, DC.