Purpose: The objective of this study is to provide a systematic review of the clinical outcomes of corneal neurotization and present the pathophysiology of corneal wound healing, neurotrophic keratopathy, and corneal neurotization. Methods: A literature review of published articles and meeting abstracts between December 2008 and February 2019 in the English language with the terms “corneal neurotization,” “corneal neurotisation,” “corneal reinnervation,” and “neurotrophic keratopathy” was performed. Reported clinical data before and after corneal neurotization, and surgical techniques, were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 54 eyes that underwent corneal neurotization were identified. Final Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity improved to 0.85 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.65) from 1.25 (SD = 0.71) with a mean improvement of 0.41 (SD = 0.55; p < 0.0001). Central corneal sensation measured using Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer improved from 2.18 mm (SD = 0.4) to 40.10 mm (SD = 18.66) with a mean filament length change of 38.00 mm (SD = 18.95; p < 0.0001). The median time to the reported maximal sensation return was 8 months (interquartile range 6–10). The most common reported limitation to visual recovery was corneal scarring (31.5%). Children (ages 0–17 years) as compared with adults (ages 18–82 years) had significantly greater final central corneal sensation esthesiometry readings, central corneal sensation return, and improvement in the logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (p < 0.011). Conclusions: Neurotrophic keratopathy disturbs the homeostatic balance of trophic factors and trigeminal nerve reflexes needed to support ocular surface health and corneal healing. Corneal neurotization can significantly improve corneal sensation and visual acuity and should be considered for the treatment of refractory neurotrophic keratopathy, especially in pediatric populations.

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Purpose of Review Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a degenerative corneal disease characterized by decreased corneal sensibility and impaired corneal healing. In this article, we review surgical techniques for corneal neurotization (CN) and novel medical therapies for the treatment of NK. Recent Findings In recent decades, there has been a paradigm shift in the treatment strategies for NK. New minimally invasive direct and indirect CN approaches have demonstrated efficacy at improving best-corrected visual acuity and central corneal sensation while decreasing surgical morbidity. In addition, several targeted medical therapies, such as recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF), regenerating agents (RGTA), and nicergoline, have shown promise in improving corneal epithelial healing. Of these options, cenegermin (Oxervate®, Dompé), a topical biologic medication, has emerged as an approved medical treatment for moderate to severe NK. Summary NK is a challenging condition caused by alterations in corneal nerves, leading to impairment in sensory and trophic function with subsequent breakdown of the cornea. Conventional therapy for NK depends on the severity of disease and focuses primarily on protecting the ocular surface. In recent years, numerous CN techniques and novel medical treatments have been developed that aim to restore proper corneal innervation and promote ocular surface healing. Further studies are needed to better understand the long-term efficacy of these treatment options, their target populations, and the potential synergistic efficacy of combined medical and surgical treatments.