ESCRS 2026: Citicoline drops aid corneal nerve recovery after cataract surgery

Suzana Konjevoda, MD, a glaucoma subspecialist, cataract surgeon, and professor at the University of Zadar, as well as CEO of Eye Clinic LACRIMA, presented data at the 2026 Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), held 11 to 15 September in London, United Kingdom, evaluating citicoline (Neociticol) eye drops for corneal nerve recovery following cataract surgery.

"So we know the surgery can temporarily affect the corneal nerves and reduce the sensitivity," Konjevoda told Ophthalmology Times Europe, explaining the rationale for testing a neuroprotective molecule already used in ophthalmology.

The prospective, randomised study enrolled patients undergoing cataract surgery via phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation, assigning them to citicoline plus standard therapy or standard therapy alone. Corneal sensitivity was measured with a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 weeks postoperatively, with dry eye symptoms and tear film parameters assessed as secondary outcomes.

Sensitivity gains become significant by 3 weeks

At 1 week, corneal sensitivity had decreased in both groups, with no statistically significant difference between them (P = .051). By 3 weeks, a statistically significant difference emerged (P = .005): the citicoline group showed increased sensitivity, while the non-therapy group continued to decline. At 6 weeks, the difference remained statistically significant, though less pronounced (P = .026). The citicoline group also showed reduced dry eye symptoms and ocular discomfort, with no reported adverse effects.

Konjevoda cautioned that the small sample size at later follow-up points warrants care in interpretation. "I think the results are promising, but we need more data to be sure," she said, adding that a larger study would help confirm whether the effect is clinically meaningful.

She noted that a neuroprotective approach would not replace existing dry eye and ocular surface management strategies but could serve as an additional tool to support recovery, alongside monitoring sensitivity, dryness, and discomfort over a longer follow-up period.

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