Case Reports in Ophthalmology
Topical Losartan in the Management of Corneal Scarring from Trauma and Infection: A Case Series
By Hueyjong Shih and Emma C Davies.
Abstract
Purpose
To describe seven cases of corneal scarring which appear to show improvement with topical losartan. The mechanisms of corneal scarring include trauma and infectious corneal ulceration which, to our knowledge, represent the first such human cases reported to show improvement following topical losartan treatment. Possible mechanisms of losartan-mediated improvement in corneal scar appearance are explored.
Methods
This is a retrospective chart review case series of seven patients treated with topical losartan at an academic medical center. Observations: Cases which improved with topical losartan included a full thickness corneal laceration from an open globe injury, four cases of Pseudomonas contact-lens related corneal ulcers, one case of a likely herpetic-related corneal ulcer, and one case of a full-thickness Fusarium fungal ulcer. Topical losartan was initiated between two weeks to over ten months after the initial corneal insult, with most patients starting treatment within one to two months of presentation. No patients experienced any significant side effects from topical losartan use.
