Topical losartan ophthalmic drops - a review of corneal wound healing and topical losartan for managing corneal haze and potential future indications

Corneal haze, a consequence of pathological wound healing, manifests as opacity and sometimes irregularity impairing vision. This condition arises from breaches in the epithelial barrier, triggering an inflammatory cascade culminating in myofibroblasts formation. Surgical procedures such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and corneal cross-linking (CXL) are major contributors, alongside non-surgical causes like trauma and infections. Research has extensively explored post-surgical corneal haze, focusing on the transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) pathway, inflammation management, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Losartan, traditionally an antihypertensive, has gained attention in ophthalmology for its anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have supported its efficacy in reducing corneal fibrosis post-descemetorhexis, alkali burn, and PRK injuries in animal models, and human case reports. This review aims to examine the topical use of losartan 0.08% in ophthalmology, assessing its effectiveness against post-surgical corneal haze and exploring its pharmacological profile and potential future applications. We provide a systematic review of all published in-human studies of the use of topical losartan in corneal disease.