Corneal and External Disorders

Thermoreceptors on the ocular surface play a critical role in the development of dry eye disease (DED). An experimental eye drop called AR-15512, which activates cooling receptors, has been found to provide fast and continuous relief from dry eye symptoms, with minimal side effects. Due to its cold-sensing stimulation, this medication may also help patients […]

The treatment options for neurotrophic keratitis (NK) are ever-evolving as the pathogenesis of this increasingly prevalent degenerative keratopathy is further elucidated. Currently available therapeutics can be divided into medical, procedural and surgical interventions that directly address the effects of corneal denervation as well as the comorbid conditions causing superimposed infection and inflammation in the affected […]

Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic, unicellular, free-living protist with at least 25 species and 23 genotypes so far identified (on 18S rRNA sequencing).1 Organisms have a two-stage life cycle: metabolically active trophozoites and quiescent double-walled cysts. Both trophozoites and cysts are small, usually 15–50 µm in length for trophozoites and 5–30 µm for cysts.2 Exposure to stress results in […]

Neurotrophic keratitis (NK), also referred to as neurotrophic keratopathy, is a rare disease characterized by trigeminal nerve dysfunction, leading to a reduction or loss of corneal sensation and subsequent degenerative changes in the cornea.1 Deterioration starts when spontaneous breakdown of epithelial cells and impaired surface-healing mechanisms increase susceptibility to corneal ulceration. Progressive thinning of these damaged […]