Neuroprotective Effect of Citicoline Eye Drops on Corneal Sensitivity After LASIK

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accelerator role of a topically administered neuroprotective eye drop (citicoline) on the recovery of corneal sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: In this prospective, controlled study, 78 eyes of 78 patients (mean age: 26.8 +/- 7.6 years) were enrolled in the study group and their eyes were treated with topical citicoline three times a day for 1 month postoperatively. Seventy-eight eyes of 78 patients (mean age: 26.1 +/- 7.4 years) were randomly selected as the control group and their eyes were treated with lubricant hyaluronic acid (0.15%) eye drops three times a day for 1 month. Corneal sensitivity was assessed in both groups using a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks after the LASIK procedure. RESULTS: Corneal sensitivity at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks after LASIK was significantly better in the citicoline group than the control group (P .05). CONCLUSIONS: Topically administered citicoline eye drops had beneficial effects in the early recovery of corneal sensitivity during the first 6 weeks after LASIK, suggesting that citicoline may play a significant role in accelerating corneal reinnervation. [J Refract Surg. 2019;35(12):764-770.].