Impact of Ectropion Correction on Corneal Nerves
Author: Giulia Filippello
Base Hospital / Institution: Newcastle Upon Tyne United Kingdom/ Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital
ePoster presentation
Abstract ID: 24-375
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate changes in corneal sensitivity, dry eye parameters, and corneal innervation in patients undergoing ectropion surgical repair.
Methods
A prospective, single-center, non-randomized observational study was conducted with 10 patients experiencing unilateral ectropion and symptoms of superficial punctate keratitis and exposure keratitis for at least six months. All patients underwent surgical repair of ectropion, with the specific technique determined by the surgeon’s preference. Evaluations were conducted pre-operatively and three months post-operatively, including assessments with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer, Schirmer’s test, full slit lamp examination, tear break-up time (T-BUT) test, fluorescein staining, lissamine green test, and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).
Results
Patients exhibited significant improvements in corneal sensitivity and nerve density post-operatively. IVCM revealed enhanced sub-basal nerve plexus (SNP) morphology and increased nerve fiber density. Subjective and objective dry eye parameters also showed marked improvement, with a reduction in symptoms of dryness, irritation, and exposure keratopathy.
Conclusion
Ectropion correction positively impacts corneal nerves and ocular surface health. This study uniquely demonstrates the post-operative improvement in corneal innervation through the use of in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). The enhanced visualization and quantification of the sub-basal nerve plexus morphology and nerve fiber density underscore the efficacy of surgical intervention in restoring corneal nerve integrity and ocular surface homeostasis. The findings highlight the utility of IVCM in providing detailed assessments of corneal nerve health and the benefits of addressing ectropion to prevent nerve damage and associated complications. Future research should continue to explore the relationship between ectropion correction and long-term corneal nerve health.
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