Surgical Management of the Ocular Surface in Neurotrophic Keratopathy: Amniotic Membrane, Conjunctival Grafts, Lid Surgery, and Neurotization
Tanya Trinh, Michael Mimouni, Gisella Santaella, Eyal Cohen, Clara C. Chan
Abstract
PURPOSE: To review the surgical modalities available to treat Mackie stage 2 and stage 3 neurotrophic keratopathy. METHODS: Literature review and technique descriptions. RESULTS: The following procedures are described in detail with accompanying videos: temporary, permanent, and botox-assisted tarsorrhaphy; amniotic membrane transplant; keratoplasty with amniotic membrane and tarsorrhaphy augmentation; Gunderson and conjunctival pedicle flaps; buccal graft transplantation; and neurotization. CONCLUSION: A variety of surgical options exist to manage neurotrophic keratopathy when medical treatments alone fail to resolve epitheliopathy. Ongoing protection and optimization of the ocular surface health remains crucial to prevent recurrent epithelial breakdown.