AIM: To investigate drug toxic corneal epithelial damage due to non-standard drug application and to propose treatment principles.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis on 58 eyes of 31 patients with drug toxic keratopathy was processed. The types, the frequencies and application periods, and the clinical manifestations of keratopathy were categorized. For those diagnosed, all drops were stopped, instead, low-cornea-toxic and preservative-free drops were used. The treatment results were followed.

RESULTS: Data indicated that drug toxic keratopathy included punctate, false dendritic, diffuse keratitis and stromal infiltration. All patients presented the history of the frequent and long-term using of multiple eye drops. For all 58 eyes, the average drops type was 3.60±0.74, the average frequency and period of drop application was 12.08±2.12 times per day, and 25.58±11.41d, and the average treatment period was 29.5d. After treatment, 54 eyes(93.10%)were recovered and 4 eyes(6.90%)improved.

CONCLUSION: Drug toxic keratopathy has close relationship with the variety drug types, frequency and period of drops application. Correct diagnoses and standardized drug treatment are essential to reduce or prevent the occurrence of drug toxic keratopathy.