Oxervate for Neurotrophic Keratitis in Nampa

Prescription treatment for neurotrophic keratitis

What is Oxervate?

Oxervate (cenegermin-bkbj ophthalmic solution 0.002%, or 20 mcg/mL) is an FDA-approved prescription medication for neurotrophic keratitis. It contains a recombinant form of human nerve growth factor. This condition involves reduced corneal sensation and impaired support for the health and healing of the corneal surface.

Oxervate belongs in the Corneal Nerve Dysfunction group because of this specific indication. It is not approved as a general treatment for every type of dry eye or neuropathic eye pain. An examination is needed to determine whether neurotrophic keratitis is present.

Why do corneal nerves matter?

The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. Its nerves help provide sensation, support the surface cells, and contribute to protective blinking and tearing. When this nerve support is impaired, the surface can become irregular or develop a defect that does not heal normally.

Reduced sensation can make the amount of discomfort misleading: significant surface damage may cause relatively little pain. This is one reason that examination findings and corneal sensitivity testing are important rather than relying on symptoms alone. A history of herpes eye disease, diabetes, injury, or eye surgery can be relevant.

How do we determine whether it is appropriate?

Dr. Jason Besecker reviews your history, examines the corneal surface, and assesses corneal sensation when neurotrophic disease is suspected. We consider whether surface changes fit this diagnosis and whether another condition also needs treatment. The plan depends on the severity of the surface damage and the factors affecting healing.

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How does Oxervate work?

Cenegermin binds to nerve growth factor receptors involved in the survival and maintenance of corneal nerves and surface cells. Treatment is intended to support the damaged corneal surface. Corneal healing is an important goal, but a healed surface does not necessarily mean sensation or vision has returned to normal.

What have clinical studies shown?

The pivotal randomized trials found higher rates of complete corneal healing after eight weeks with Oxervate than with vehicle drops. In one trial, complete healing occurred in 65.2% of treated patients compared with 16.7% of control patients. The outcome was defined by corneal staining, not by complete relief of symptoms.

Smaller follow-up studies have reported sustained benefits in some patients, but recurrence can occur. Continued monitoring remains important after the course ends. Improvements in corneal sensation were not clinically significant in the pivotal trials, so we do not promise complete nerve recovery.

How is Oxervate used?

The labeled regimen is one drop in each affected eye six times daily, at two-hour intervals, for eight weeks. The medicine uses a dedicated vial adapter and pipettes and has specific refrigerated storage and daily handling requirements. Training with the supplied instructions is essential.

Separate other eye drops by at least 15 minutes; give Oxervate 15 minutes before eye ointments, gels, or other viscous drops.
Remove contact lenses before dosing and wait 15 minutes before reinserting them.
If a dose is missed, continue with the next scheduled dose.

What side effects and precautions should I know?

Eye pain after dosing was reported in approximately 16% of patients. Other reactions included redness, inflammation, foreign body sensation, light sensitivity, tearing, and corneal deposits. Contact the clinic for a more serious reaction or worsening vision. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding before treatment.

Do not change the dosing schedule or storage procedure without guidance. The full prescribing information below includes the detailed preparation, handling, and administration steps.

How does it fit with other ocular surface care?

Your plan may include other measures to protect the eye and address contributing conditions. We will explain which treatments continue, how visits will monitor healing, and when to contact the clinic. Follow-up is needed even when the eye feels comfortable.

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Request a comprehensive dry eye evaluation

Ready to take the next step? Let’s find out what is behind your symptoms. Request an evaluation with EnVision Dry Eye Center in Nampa, serving Boise, Meridian, Caldwell, and the Treasure Valley.

EnVision Dry Eye Center
3752 E Amity Avenue, Suite 103
Nampa, Idaho 83687
(208) 490-8823

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Medically reviewed by Jason Besecker, OD, MS
Last updated: October 2026

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