Ipsilateral supraorbital nerve transfer in a case of recalcitrant neurotrophic keratopathy with an intact ipsilateral frontal nerve: A novel surgical technique

Purpose To report a case of regained corneal sensation and function in a patient with neurotrophic keratopathy due to direct damage to the long ciliary nerves by performing a corneal neurotization procedure using ipsilateral supraorbital nerve. Surgical technique is described in detail as well as a review of the literature on corneal neurotization. Observations A patient with devastating corneal anesthesia and poor visual acuity refractory to other treatments underwent a new surgical technique involving an ipsilateral supraorbital nerve transfer to the surrounding limbus to restore corneal sensation. At 8 months follow up, there was resolution of corneal stromal opacification documented with photographs and greatly improved corneal sensation by testing with a wisp of cotton in all 4 quadrants. Her visual acuity had improved, and at two years she was stable with even more improvement in visual acuity and ocular surface health. Conclusions and importance We present the first successful case of corneal neurotization with ipsilateral supraorbital nerve in a patient with corneal anesthesia from a local injury to the long ciliary nerves. Our case demonstrates that the described method of corneal neurotization is a viable option for patients with recalcitrant neurotrophic keratopathy and an intact ipsilateral frontal nerve.