AI-Guided In Vivo Confocal Microscopy for Postoperative Corneal Nerve Regeneration Following Involutional Ectropion Surgery
Author: Giulia Filippello
Base Hospital / Institution: Morgagni Hospital
ePoster presentation
Abstract ID: 25-484
Purpose
To assess corneal nerve regeneration and ocular surface recovery after unilateral involutional ectropion surgery using AI-enhanced in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).
Methods
A prospective study was conducted on 10 patients (mean age: 67) with ≥6 months of exposure keratopathy due to unilateral involutional ectropion. All underwent lateral tarsal strip surgery, with additional muscle flap or cartilage grafts as needed. Corneal sensitivity (Cochet-Bonnet), tear metrics (TBUT, Schirmer), staining (fluorescein, lissamine), and OSDI were recorded pre- and 3-months post-surgery. AI-based analysis of IVCM images quantified nerve parameters (CNFD, CNFL, CNBD, CNFA, CNFW, CTBD).
Results
At 3 months, significant increases were observed in CNFD (from 18.6 to 23.9 fibres/mm²) and corneal sensitivity (from 4.3 to 5.7 cm). Tear film stability improved (TBUT: 4.5 to 8.9 sec; Schirmer: 7.2 to 10.8 mm), and surface staining scores decreased. AI-assisted image segmentation enabled precise, reproducible nerve tracking and tortuosity assessment, revealing structural normalization.
Conclusion
AI-integrated IVCM provides a robust tool for quantifying nerve regeneration and ocular surface healing post ectropion surgery. The findings support early surgical correction and adoption of AI tools for objective postoperative monitoring in oculoplastics.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Giulia | Filippello | Morgagni Hospital, Catania |
