Benoxinate-Induced Keratopathy: Clinical Patterns And Management
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: POCOR215 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/0bd8-q493
Authors: Dr Rawan Hosny* 1
1Ophthalmology,Cairo University,Cairo,Egypt
Purpose
To describe clinical characteristics, patterns and management options in benoxinate-induced keratopathy.
Setting
Cairo University Hospitals
Methods
Retrospective single-center study in which patients using benoxinate hydrochloride 0.4% for >1 month and present with keratopathy and/or corneal complications were enrolled.
Results
36 eyes were included, 90.5% belonged to welders. Median CDVA was 2.3 logMAR (HM.) Secondary corneal abscess was present in 47.2% of eyes and 66.7% of eyes showed ring- shaped corneal deposits. 13.9% had corneal perforation at presentation and 22.3% had marked corneal thinning. All eyes except one had varying degrees of epithelial defects, mean defect 50.7 ± 38.1 mm2. 47.2% received medical treatment and 52.7% were treated surgically. Size of epithelial defect was correlated to CDVA and presence of abscess (p=0.007 and 0.041.) Choice of management was affected by size of epithelial defect and CDVA (p<0.001 and =0.006.) CDVA did not improve following reepithelialization (p=0.157.)
Conclusions
Benoxinate-induced keratopathy is a potentially blinding and preventable disease. Stricter laws preventing over the counter availability is needed.