Neurotrophic keratopathy

Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a degenerative rare disease characterized by a reduced or absent corneal sensitivity and an impairment of corneal nerves [1]. The trophism and transparency of the cornea, which lacks blood and lymphatic vessels, is mainly due to its extensive innervation from the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve [2]. Any trauma, infection, surgery, systemic, or local congenital diseases may damage corneal nerves and cause neurotrophic keratopathy (NK). Impairment or loss of corneal sensory innervation is responsible for corneal epithelial defects, ulcer, and perforation. The epidemiology of NK is still uncertain. As a rare disease, its estimated prevalence is less than 30/100,000 individuals [3].