Erythropoietin in ophthalmology: A literature review

J Curr Ophthalmol. 2016 Mar 30;28(1):5-11. doi: 10.1016/j.joco.2016.01.008. eCollection 2016 Mar.

Abstract

Purpose: To review the current literature on ocular application of erythropoietin (EPO).

Methods: A comprehensive search was performed on Pubmed and Scopus databases. All selected articles were reviewed thoroughly by the authors to review current applications of the EPO in ocular diseases.

Results: Various aspects of administration of EPO for different ischemic, traumatic, vascular, and degenerative disorders have been explained. The articles are generally preclinical with few small studies reporting clinical outcomes.

Conclusion: EPO has been used for the treatment of different ophthalmic conditions with promising results. Further studies are needed to elaborate the role of EPO in management of ocular diseases.

Keywords: Apoptosis; Erythropoietin; Neuroprotection.

Publication types

  • Review