View abstract

This abstract is assigned to session AOB Free Papers 1

Presentation type	Oral presentation
Title	Topical Insulin for the treatment of Neurotrophic Corneal ulcers

Purpose	To report the clinical outcome of topical insulin treatment for refractory neurotrophic corneal ulcers
Methods	Retrospective review of the hospital charts of 12 patients – 13 eyes with neurotrophic corneal ulcers or persistent epithelial defects unresponsive to standard medical and surgical treatment. Previous treatments included bandage contact lenses, autologous serum, amniotic membrane grafting, punctum plugs as well as oral antibiotics, antivirals, topical corticosteroids and preservative free artificial tears depending on the underlying condition. The patients received insulin eyedrops at a concentration of 1 IU per ml prepared in polyethylene glycol containing artificial tears by the hospital pharmacy. The insulin drops were administered four times daily.
Results	A complete corneal reepithelialization was observed within one to six weeks in all of the 13 eyes having received topical insulin treatment. The eyedrops were well tolerated and none of the patients presented adverse effects.
Conclusion	Topical insulin seems a promising non-invasive treatment for refractory neurotrophic corneal ulcers. Its preparation appears to be less engaging and more cost effective compared to autologous serum. Further studies are required to establish the clinical efficacy and possible side effects of insulin eyedrops.
Conflict of interest	No

Authors 1

Last name	VALYI
Initials	Z
Department	CHU Saint Pierre, Ophtalmologie
City	Bruxelles

Authors 2

Last name	Assouline
Initials	J
Department	CHU Saint Pierre, Ophtalmologie
City	Bruxelles

Authors 3

Last name	Hmama
Initials	H
Department	CHU Saint Pierre, Ophtalmologie
City	Bruxelles

Authors 4

Last name	Boustani
Initials	G
Department	CHU Saint Pierre, Ophtalmologie
City	Bruxelles

Authors 5

Last name	Abed
Initials	K
Department	CHU Saint Pierre, Pharmacie
City	Bruxelles

Authors 6

Last name	Judice M Relvas
Initials	L
Department	CHU Saint Pierre, Ophtalmologie
City	Bruxelles