Corneal Neurotization

Minimally invasive corneal neurotization is an innovative surgical approach to innervate the cornea. It helps treat refractory neurotrophic keratopathies. We have developed a surgical approach using the greater auricular nerve as a free nerve graft connected to the supra-trochlear or supra-orbital nerve in order to achieve corneal neurotization. Nerve regrowth is demonstrated by confocal microscopy from the 3rd postoperative month and recovery of corneal sensitivity from the 6th month. Visual rehabilitation by corneal transplant can then be considered if necessary once innervation has been found in patients for whom no treatment was previously possible.