Ipsilateral corneal neurotization improves vision in herpetic neurotrophic keratopathy

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Ipsilateral corneal neurotization can enhance visual outcomes in patients with herpetic neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), according to a study.

Researchers analyzed 31 eyes from 30 patients who underwent corneal neurotization using either supratrochlear, supraorbital, or combined nerve transfers.

Postoperatively, 58% of eyes maintained or improved visual acuity, with average Snellen vision improving from 0.09 to 0.17. Although corneal thickness remained stable, endothelial cell density decreased over time.

Multivariate analysis identified controlled ocular hypertension and the use of combined supratrochlear and supraorbital nerve transfer as key factors associated with better visual outcomes.

Reference
Hung KH, Yeh LK, Wu WC, et al. Clinical Outcomes of Corneal Neurotization in Patients With Herpetic Neurotrophic Keratopathy. Ann Plast Surg. 2025;95(5):537-542. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004504. PMID: 41133862.