Autologous Serum Eye Drop in Refractory Neurotrophic Corneal Ulcer: A Case Report

Purpose: To report a case of refractive neurotrophic corneal ulcer, treated successfully with 20% autologous serum eye drops. Case Report: A 20 year old male presented with redness and foreign body sensation since three months associated with photophobia and progressive diminution of vision of both the eyes, right eye more than left, since 2 months. At presentation, the best corrected visual acuity in the right eye was 1/60 and left 6/12. Right eye showed cilliary congestion and epithelial defect of 4.5 A— 1.5 mm with thinning (~80%). Left eye had diffuse superficial keratopathy with paracentral nebular corneal opacity. Corneal sensation was decreased with schirmer’s test I reading of 1 mm in both the eyes. With the provisional diagnosis of refractory neurotrophic corneal ulcer, 20% autologous serum eye drops was started in the right eye four hourly along with topical preservative free tear substitutes. After one week, there was dramatic improvement in the right eye with healed cornea and decrease in thinning. Conclusion: Autologous serum eye drops is beneficial in the treatment of neurotrophic corneal ulcer and can prevent further complications.