Diabetic corneal neuropathy: clinical perspectives

Guzel Bikbova,1,2 Toshiyuki Oshitari,1 Takayuki Baba,1 Mukharram Bikbov,2 Shuichi Yamamoto1 1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan; 2Cornea and Refractive Surgery Department, Ufa Eye Research Institute, Ufa, Russia Abstract: Diabetic keratopathy is characterized by impaired innervation of the cornea that leads to decreased sensitivity, with resultant difficulties with epithelial wound healing. These difficulties in wound healing put patients at risk for ocular complications such as surface irregularities, corneal infections, and stromal opacification. Pathological changes in corneal innervations in diabetic patients are an important early indicator of diabetic neuropathy. The decrease in corneal sensitivity is strongly correlated with the duration of diabetes as well as the severity of the neuropathy. This review presents recent findings in assessing the ocular surface as well as the recent therapeutic strategies for optimal management of individuals with diabetes who are susceptible to developing diabetic neuropathy. Keywords: diabetes mellitus, cornea, innervation, neuroprotective therap