Regression of corneal neovascularization associated with corneal epithelial defect after treatment with regenerating agents (Cacicol®)

• Published in: Acta ophthalmologica (Oxford, England) England), 2016-10, Vol.94 (S256), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Del Buey, M.A., Esteban, O., Lanchares, E., Martinez, M., Casas, P., Ascaso, F.J., Cristobal, J.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Contact lenses; Cornea; Corneal transplantation; Defects; Extracellular matrix; Herpes simplex; Hypoxia; Inflammation; Keratitis; Melting; Ophthalmology; Regeneration; Vascularization
• ISSN: 1755-375X; 1755-3768
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2016.0674

Purpose Corneal neovascularization is formed in response to inflammation and hypoxia. It is secondary to different conditions such as herpes simplex stromal keratitis, persistent corneal epithelial defects, contact lens use, keratoplasty of infections. The use of Regenerating Agents (RGTA) is a new treatment that mimics the function of extracellular matrix components. It makes extracellular matrix resistant to inflammatory molecules, restoring the properties and the micro‐‐environment needed for the normal corneal tissue regeneration. We report number of cases showing the role of Cacicol® in the regression of severe corneal neovascularization in patients with neurotrophic keratitis. Methods Interventional number of cases (N = 5) treated with RGTA (Cacicol®) for two months. The patients presented central corneal epithelial defect caused by neurotrophic keratopathy. These defects showed superficial and deep stromal neovascularization. The patients was treated with conventional therapy. We decided to combine this conventional treatment with RGTA (Cacicol®) one every two days for one month. After that period, we spread the dose to once a week for one month more. Results After first month, we observed that the dimensions of the epithelial defect decreased in two cases and it had disappeared in three cases. After second month, all patients had complete corneal healing and we also observed a regression of superficial and deep stromal vascularization. In three cases, neovascularization had decreased considerably and it had disappeared in two cases. Conclusions RGTA (Cacicol®) improves corneal melting and epithelial defects associated to corneal neurotrophic pathology. Moreover, in cases with corneal neovascularization associated, we find an important decrease of superficial and deep neovessels.