Abstract
Purpose :
The treatment of persistent epithelial defect (PED) represents a challenging condition where delayed treatment can lead to poor visual outcomes secondary to stromal fibrosis and neovascularization. Regenerating agents (RGTA) are a promising non-invasive treatment option, however, due to the lack of long series and the heterogeneity of the patients, the efficacy of the treatment remains unclear. Our study aims to assess the clinical results of RGTA topical treatment in PEDs.
Methods :
We report a retrospective cohort study of 24 consecutive eyes (21 patients) treated with the RGTA (Cacicol, Théa, France) due to PED in a tertiary referral center. All cases underwent previous conventional topical medication without resolution of PED. Lesion area by slit lamp examination, were reported 3, 6 and 9 weeks after the onset of the treatment. Underlying diagnosis, previous ocular treatments, and adverse events were monitored throughout the study.
Results :
Mean time from diagnosis of PED to the date treatment with RGTA was initiated was 91±108 days. During the 9 weeks follow-up 18 eyes (75%) healed, 4 patients (17%) remained with a PED, and 2 patients (8%) underwent a penetrating keratoplasty. No adverse events were reported during treatment.
Conclusions :
RGTA seems to be effective in promoting epithelial healing in PED as 75% of the eyes with PED healed within the 9 weeks of follow-up. Conventional treatment regimen now includes topical treatment with autologous serum drops (ASD), which in previous studies has proven successful in healing 46.7–68% of eyes with PED within 1 month of starting ASD (1). Further randomized, controlled trials are needed to help to further establish benefits of RGTA in the different etiologies of PED.
1: Jeng, B. H. and W. J. Dupps, Jr. (2009). "Autologous serum 50% eyedrops in the treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defects." Cornea 28(10): 1104-1108.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2017 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Baltimore, MD, May 7-11, 2017.