Insulin Eye Drops for Neurotrophic Keratitis - A New, Cost-Effective Way to Heal the Surface of the Eye

By Dr. Kevin -

If you have been diagnosed with neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), you know how difficult it can be to
treat. This condition happens when the nerves in your eye aren't working properly, leading to "numbness" and preventing the surface of the eye (the cornea) from healing correctly.

While high-tech specialty treatments exist, they are often incredibly expensive and hard to get. Recent clinical research has highlighted a more accessible alternative: Topical Insulin Eye Drops.

How Does It Work? Insulin isn't just for blood sugar—it also acts as a powerful "growth factor." When applied directly to the eye, it helps:

  • Trigger Repair: It tells the cells on the surface of your eye to multiply and move into place to heal wounds.

  • Restore Sensation: It supports the regrowth of corneal nerves.

  • Reduce Inflammation: It helps calm the eye so it can focus on repairing itself.

What the Research Says A recent study found that about 78% of patients with moderate to severe disease saw their eyes heal completely using these drops. Even more impressive, patients who had failed other standard treatments saw a 100% success rate when switched to insulin drops.

What to Expect

  • Consistency is Key: These drops are typically used 4 to 6 times a day.

  • Patience Pays Off: While some patients heal in a few weeks, it may take 1 to 2 months for full recovery in severe cases.

  • Safe and Affordable: Because these are custom-made by specialized compounding pharmacies, they are significantly more affordable than many commercial alternatives and have a very high safety profile.

If you are struggling with a persistent eye ulcer or chronic dryness that isn't responding to traditional drops, ask us if compounded insulin therapy might be right for you.

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