Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory strategies for corneal nerve regeneration and ocular surface stability after corneal refractive surgeries: systematic review.
Anas Alamoudi, Abdulaziz Khalid Aldahlawi, Ahmed Alnabihi et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review evaluated controlled trials on neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory therapies for corneal nerve regeneration and ocular surface stability post-refractive surgery. Seven trials involving 484 participants were included. Topical cyclosporine 0.05% significantly improved flap sensitivity recovery and ocular surface metrics, with a notable increase of 4 cm in flap sensitivity at 3 months (P < .001).
Key findings
- Topical cyclosporine 0.05% improved flap sensitivity recovery by +4 cm at 3 months.
- Ocular surface disease index improved by -5 points with cyclosporine at 6 months.
- Topical diclofenac 0.1% reduced PRK pain by approximately 50% within 24 hours.
- Oral pregabalin and gabapentin reduced first-week pain but had no impact on nerve metrics.
Why it matters
Post-refractive surgery complications like dry eye and hypoesthesia can significantly affect patient quality of life. Effective pharmacologic strategies are essential for promoting corneal nerve recovery and maintaining ocular surface stability.