The cornea is one of the most nerve-rich tissues in the body. Those nerves do more than sense touch; they help keep the corneal surface healthy. Neurotrophic keratitis is a degenerative corneal disease caused by impaired corneal nerve function. BostonSight’s chief medical officer called it a stubborn disease with a high risk of vision loss.
About this report
This news is based on a news release from BostonSight, which provides PROSE treatment, and a poster presented at the ARVO 2026 meeting by authors including BostonSight’s chief medical officer.
What PROSE is
PROSE is a custom-made scleral device: a large, rigid lens that vaults over the cornea and holds a reservoir of fluid against it. The idea is to protect the surface and keep it constantly moist so it can heal.
What the study reported
- The retrospective study reviewed records from November 2008 to September 2023 for 87 eyes of 87 patients with neurotrophic keratitis across all severity stages.
- Severity is graded with the Mackie classification, which uses three stages based on exam findings.
- After PROSE treatment, average Mackie stage and average visual acuity both improved significantly.
- On average, eyes reached their lowest (best) stage in about 31 days.
The trade report noted that the release did not describe comparison treatments, confidence intervals, or adverse events.
What this means for patients
A look-back study without a comparison group cannot prove PROSE works better than other options. Still, the results support scleral devices as one tool to consider. Care is individualized, and PROSE devices are fitted through PROSE treatment providers.
What to do
If you have been diagnosed with neurotrophic keratitis, or a corneal sore is slow to heal, ask your eye doctor whether a cornea specialist and a scleral device evaluation make sense for you. For more plain-language reading on eye health, see 1800realdoctor.com.
Source: PROSE treatment improves Mackie stage in neurotrophic keratitis in study (Optometry Times, 07/31/2026 (based on a BostonSight news release)). This article is an educational summary written by Khanna Vision Institute and is not a substitute for medical advice.
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