Speaker: Prevention key to managing neurotrophic keratopathy

LAS VEGAS — Prevention is key to managing varicella zoster virus neurotrophic keratopathy, according to a speaker here.

“This is the diabetic foot ulcer of the eye,” Todd Margolis, MD, PhD, said at Cornea Subspecialty Day preceding the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting. Neurotrophic keratopathy is characterized by decreased corneal sensation and poor corneal healing.

“The reason patients get into trouble, in my opinion, is the risk factors,” Margolis said. Among risk factors for varicella zoster virus (VZV) neurotrophic keratopathy is older age.

“I challenge any of you to ask your patients who are 80 years old to put their artificial tears in a neurotrophic eye in front of you without them hitting the surface of the eye,” Margolis said.

Margolis does not recommend using eye drops in patients with the disease.

“Giving patients artificial tears, lubricants for this disease – there is zero data that has any effect,” he said. “I do not use any drops in these patients. I just shut the eye, and the patients actually heal up and do quite well.”

Rather, prevention is key, he said. Patients should be tested for decreased sensation and educated about the condition. — by Nhu Te

Reference:

Margolis T. Varicella zoster virus: Treatment of the acute and chronic disease. Presented at: The American Academy of Ophthalmology. Nov. 14, 2015; Las Vegas.

Disclosure: Margolis reports no relevant financial disclosures.