Use and Efficacy of Insulin Eye Drops in Neurotrophic Corneal Ulcers: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This research aimed to analyse the use and efficacy of insulin eye drops in the treatment of neurotrophic corneal ulcers by means of a systematic literature review. To this end, relevant studies found in various databases were analysed, including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Scielo, Bireme, Google Scholar and Web of Science. The selected studies were assessed in terms of their objectives, methodology, results and conclusions, with the aim of providing a comprehensive understanding of the current state of evidence on the subject. From the articles by Serrano-Giménez et al. [1], Wang et al. [2] Jaworski et al ([3],  Tong et al. [4], Khilji et al. [5], Moreker et al. [6], Soares et al. [7], CUARTERO-MARTINEZ et al. [8], Lorente-Pascua et al. [9], Erin et al. [10], Diaz-Valle et al [11], Dana et al. [12] and Ruiz-Lozano et al. [13], trends, knowledge gaps and recommendations for clinical practice and future research were identified. As a result, the studies analysed showed a variety of outcomes in relation to the efficacy and safety of insulin eye drops in the treatment of neurotrophic corneal ulcers. There was also a lack of standardisation in the methods used and the evaluation measures, highlighting the need for a more uniform approach in subsequent studies. The main trends identified indicate that insulin eye drops can be effective in treating corneal neurotrophic ulcers, especially in refractory stages. However, there is a need for further research to define more precise diagnostic criteria and more standardised assessment measures. In conclusion, this systematic review has provided a solid basis for future research into the use of insulin eye drops in the treatment of corneal neurotrophic ulcers. The recommendations resulting from this study have the potential to inform clinical practice and guide future research in this field, with the aim of improving these procedures for patients with this specific ophthalmological condition.