Resumen
What is neurotrophic keratitis?
Neurotrophic keratitis is a rare eye disorder that affects the cornea. The cornea is the clear (transparent) outer layer of the eye. It functions like a window that focuses the entry of light into the eye. The cornea bends light, allowing it to pass through the pupil, eventually reaching the retina where specialized cells called cones and rods convert light to nerve impulses. These impulses travel along the optic nerve to the brain to become images. Neurotrophic keratitis is caused when the nerves that serve (innervate) the cornea cannot function properly. Neurotrophic keratitis causes reduced sensitivity of the cornea. When the cornea senses stimulation or pressure, the eyelid will close and tears will be produced to protect the cornea and the eye. When these nerves do not function properly, the outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, can break down, resulting in an epithelial defect. In more advanced neurotrophic keratitis, an interior layer called the cornea stroma can break down as well, resulting in thinning of the cornea. This is called stromal ‘melting’. In advanced stromal melting, the cornea can thin to a severe degree, which can result in a hole or opening to the inside of the eye. This can lead to infection and potentially loss of the eye. Neurotrophic keratitis can lead to a variety of complications, including poor wound healing of the cornea, scarring of the cornea, and loss of vision.
How common is neurotrophic keratitis?
Neurotrophic keratitis is a rare disorder with prevalence at approximately less than 5 people per every 10.000 in the general population.
Questions regarding your neurotrophic keratitis therapy?
You can reach the Accredo neurotrophic keratitis care team, anytime, day or night, seven days a week by phone or online.
Centro de Servicio al Cliente las 24 horas
Call 1-877-831-8112
Síntomas
What are the symptoms of neurotrophic keratitis?
Early on, affected individuals may not have any symptoms of the disorder (asymptomatic). Because the sensitivity of the cornea is reduced, affected individuals often do not complain of pain or discomfort in the eye. Blurred vision, red eyes, dry eyes, and decreased clarity (acuity) of vision can develop. Affected individuals may become extremely sensitive to light (photophobia). The affected cornea can be easily injured and heals slower than an unaffected cornea does (poor wound healing). This leaves the cornea susceptible to damage. Affected individuals may experience frequent or recurrent corneal erosions, which is when an opening in the epithelial layer develops (epithelial defect). Since the epithelial layer is the protective layer of the cornea, an epithelial defect can leave the eye more susceptible to infection.
More serious complications can develop, including irregular astigmatism, a condition causing blurred vision that results when the cornea becomes irregularly shaped or abnormally curved. Affected individuals may develop scarring of the cornea. As the inner layer, or stroma, breaks down and becomes thinner, the cornea can become even more irregularly shaped, and more severe scarring can develop. In the most severe instances, the cornea can perforate, resulting in loss of the inner fluid of the eye. Neurotrophic keratitis can lead to permanent loss of vision, if not properly treated.
¿Cómo se diagnostica?
A diagnosis of neurotrophic keratitis is based upon identification of characteristic symptoms, a detailed patient and family history, a thorough clinical evaluation, and a variety of specialized tests. A diagnosis should be suspected in individuals with unexplained signs of reduced corneal sensitivity and damage to the cornea.
Medicamentos
The following specialty medications are available at Accredo, a specialty pharmacy for neurotrophic keratitis
Financiación de su atención
Es posible que haya asistencia financiera disponible para ayudarlo con los costos de sus medicamentos, incluidos programas de los fabricantes y programas comunitarios. You may also use the copay assistance search for additional programs. los especialistas de Accredo están disponibles para ayudarlo a encontrar un programa que funcione para usted.
- Organización Nacional de Enfermedades Poco Frecuentes (National Organization for Rare Diseases, NORD) | 855-567-3680
- Patient Access Network Foundation (PANF) | 866-316-7263
- The Assistance Fund (TAT) | 855-940-3153
Orientación financiera
Los medicamentos de especialidad que salvan vidas pueden ser costosos. Conozca en este video cómo los equipos Accredo ayudan a las personas a encontrar formas de costear el medicamento que necesitan para sobrevivir.
Encuentre apoyo
Neurotrophic Keratitis Organizations
There are many organizations that support research and advocacy for <neurotrophic keratitis>. Consulte a continuación algunas de estas organizaciones.
Organizaciones de apoyo
Conozca al equipo
Accredo’s neurotrophic keratitis care team is dedicated to serving you and we understand the complexity of your condition. Nuestros médicos clínicos expertos están disponibles 24 horas al día, los siete días de la semana para responder a cualquier pregunta.
Transcripción del video Por qué lo hacemos
Centro de Servicio al Cliente las 24 horas
Call 1-877-831-8112