What is NK?

Neurotrophic keratitis, also referred to as neurotrophic keratopathy, or “NK,” is an eye disease caused by damage to the corneal nerves that leads to breakdown of the cornea. If not treated, it can lead to a corneal ulcer (an open sore in the cornea), scarring, or even vision loss.

NK is considered a rare disease and is estimated to affect approximately 70,000 people in the United States.*

*Based on the IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) data published in 2022 and adapted number based on the US population.

NK AND YOUR CORNEA

Understanding your cornea & corneal nerves

The cornea is one of the most sensitive organs in the body. It acts as a covering for your eye, protecting your pupil and iris.

Click THE + NEXT TO each part of the eye below to learn moreClick the + next to each part of the eye below to see how neurotrophic keratitis (NK) affects the cornea
Cornea
  • Protects your eye from bacteria and dust
  • Helps keep your eye from drying out
  • Helps you see by focusing light into your eye
Corneal nerves
  • Send signals to your brain to blink and produce tears to help maintain a healthy surface
Iris
  • The colored part of your eye that contains the pupil
  • Helps control the size of the pupil
Pupil
  • The round opening at the center of your eye
  • Changes size to control the amount of light going into your eye
Cornea
  • As a result of corneal nerve damage, the corneal surface can break down
  • Breakdown of the corneal surface can lead to a corneal ulcer (an open sore in the cornea), scarring, or even vision loss
Corneal nerves
  • When corneal nerves are damaged, your cornea has a lack of feeling and cannot send normal signals to your brain
  • Damage also prevents corneal nerves from providing nourishment to the corneal surface
RISK FACTORS

There are many risk factors that can cause NK

Many diseases or conditions that can cause nerve damage may lead to neurotrophic keratitis (NK) including, but not limited to, herpes infections of the eye, diabetes, and chronic dry eye disease.

Herpes infection of the eye
Diabetes
Long-term contact lens wear
Eye drops that contain toxic preservatives*
Chronic dry eye disease
Stroke
Multiple sclerosis
Ocular surgery (eg, cataract, refractive [LASIK])

*Do not stop using any eye drops without instruction from your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about what may have potentially caused the underlying nerve damage

Learn how OXERVATE® treats NK

SYMPTOMS OF NK

Symptoms of NK may vary from person to person

Neurotrophic keratitis is a rare disease that requires professional diagnosis. Some people with neurotrophic keratitis (NK) may not complain of symptoms at all, due to the lack of feeling, while others may experience:

Dryness
Sensitivity to light
Reduced blinking
Blurry vision

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Important Safety Information

What is OXERVATE?

  • OXERVATE is a prescription eye drop solution used to treat a condition called neurotrophic keratitis.

Before you use OXERVATE, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have an infection in your eye. If you get an eye infection while using OXERVATE, talk to your doctor right away.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if OXERVATE will harm your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OXERVATE passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you use OXERVATE.

How should I use OXERVATE?

  • Use 1 drop of OXERVATE in the affected eye or both eyes if needed, 6 times each day, about 2 hours apart starting in the morning. Continue your treatment for 8 weeks.
  • If you use any other eye drops, wait at least 15 minutes before or after using OXERVATE. This will help to avoid one eye drop diluting the other eye drop.
  • If you also use an eye ointment or gel or an eye drop that is thick, use OXERVATE first, and then wait at least 15 minutes before using the other eye ointment, gel, or drops.
  • If you wear contact lenses in your affected eye or both eyes remove them before using OXERVATE and wait 15 minutes after using OXERVATE before reinserting them.
  • Do not use other eye medicines without talking to your doctor.
  • Talk to your doctor first before you stop using OXERVATE.

What should I avoid while using OXERVATE?

  • Your vision may be blurred for a short time after using OXERVATE. If this happens, wait until your vision clears before you drive or use machines.

What are the possible side effects of OXERVATE?

  • The most common side effect of OXERVATE is eye pain, enlarged blood vessels in the white of the eyes, swelling of the eye, and increase of tears.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that bother you. These are not all the possible side effects of OXERVATE.

For more information about OXERVATE talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088. You can also contact Dompé U.S. Inc. at 1‑833‑366‑7387.

Please see full Prescribing Information and Patient Information for OXERVATE.