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Case Report | Ophthalmology | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 571 - 573 | India
Topical Insulin Eye Drops for Persistent Epithelial Defect in a Phthisical Eye: A Case Report
Abstract: Persistent epithelial defects in phthisical eyes remain difficult to manage because of chronic inflammation, ocular hypotony, poor epithelial regeneration, and disruption of the normal ocular surface environment. This report describes the clinical course of a 60 year- old woman with a non healing corneal epithelial defect in a phthisical eye following previous endophthalmitis. The patient presented with redness, watering, and foreign body sensation, while slit lamp examination revealed a central epithelial defect over a fibrotic cornea. Conventional treatment with lubricants, topical antibiotics, cycloplegics, and ointment failed to produce healing after two weeks. Topical insulin eye drops at a concentration of 1 IU/ml were then introduced four times daily along with supportive therapy. Gradual improvement was observed within the first week, with marked reduction in defect size by the second week and complete epithelialization by the third week. No local or systemic adverse reactions were encountered during treatment. The therapeutic response may be linked to the ability of insulin to stimulate epithelial cell proliferation, migration, cellular metabolism, and basement membrane adhesion through activation of growth-related signaling pathways. Although advanced structural damage in phthisical eyes limits full visual recovery, topical insulin appears to support restoration of ocular surface integrity in resistant epithelial defects. The case highlights the value of topical insulin as a low cost and biologically relevant adjunct within a broader multimodal treatment strategy for complex ocular surface disease.
Keywords: persistent epithelial defect, topical insulin eye drops, phthisical eye, corneal wound healing, ocular surface disease
How to Cite?: Dr. Chaitali Bhavsar, Dr. Tanvi Ajmera, Dr. Omkar Telang, Dr. Ajay Dudani, "Topical Insulin Eye Drops for Persistent Epithelial Defect in a Phthisical Eye: A Case Report", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 571-573, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR26507094714, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR26507094714