Topical insulin to treat a conjunctival defect after glaucoma surgery: A case report

Purpose: Insulin has been postulated as a novel and effective treatment for re-epithelialization of the ocular surface and different pathologies have been suggested as possible indications. Observations: A 69-year-old diabetic male was referred for a left non-healing conjunctival epithelial defect o...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Barbara Burgos-Blasco, Sonia N. Yeung, Gavin Docherty, Alfonso Iovieno
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-12-01
Series:American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451993624001373
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Summary:Purpose: Insulin has been postulated as a novel and effective treatment for re-epithelialization of the ocular surface and different pathologies have been suggested as possible indications. Observations: A 69-year-old diabetic male was referred for a left non-healing conjunctival epithelial defect over the superotemporal scleral patch used in the placement of the Ahmed ClearPath. In the left eye, he was on latanoprost/timolol once daily, prednisolone 1 % once daily and tobramycin/dexamethasone ointment at night. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye. Slit lamp examination of the left eye showed patches of avascular scleral tissue nasally and superiorly, conjunctival and Tenon defect over a thin avascular scleral patch graft. The patient was started on Humulin insulin 1UI/mL 6 times a day and the defect healed after 3 months of treatment. Conclusions and importance: Insulin eye drops may be used in the treatment of chronic conjunctival epithelial defects following implantation of glaucoma drainage devices.
ISSN:2451-9936