What causes superficial punctate keratopathy?

Superficial punctate keratitis is an eye disorder caused by death of small groups of cells on the surface of the cornea (the clear layer in front of the iris and pupil). The eyes become red, watery, and sensitive to light, and vision may decrease somewhat.

How is superficial punctate keratitis treated?

Treatment of Superficial Punctate Keratitis When the cause is a bacterial infection or prolonged use of contact lenses, antibiotics are used, and the wearing of contact lenses is temporarily discontinued. When the cause is dry eyes, ointments and artificial tears are effective.

Is thygeson’s an autoimmune disease?

Abstract. Thygeson’s superficial punctate keratitis (TSPK) is a chronic, bilateral epithelial keratitis. Dr Philips Thygeson first reported TSPK in 1950. Although the etiology of TSPK remains unknown, it has been reported to be associated with viral and autoimmune pathologies.

Is thygeson’s disease common?

Thygeson’s superficial punctate keratitis (TSPK) is a rare and still poorly understood disease of the ocular surface, responsible for recurrent episodes of photophobia and eye pain.

What happens if keratitis is left untreated?

Untreated keratitis can lead to permanent vision damage. Other possible complications include: corneal scars. recurring eye infections.

Is punctate keratitis serious?

Punctate keratitis, corneal epithelial defects (Fig. 91-3) and primary conjunctival wound leaks are the most common complications of postoperative 5-FU injections. Although the corneal epithelium usually recovers, some serious damage has occurred in eyes with pre-existing corneal diseases.

Is SPK eye curable?

Doctors diagnose superficial punctate keratitis based on the person’s symptoms and the results of an eye examination. Most people recover fully. Symptoms can often be relieved with eye drops or ointments.

How long does SPK take to heal?

Usually after 2 to 4 years, the disease resolves without sequelae.” (Arffa, p.

Is Keratoconus a value?

An I-S value between 1.4 and 1.9 diopters suggests a keratoconus suspect, while a larger value suggests clinical keratoconus. A lower value suggests a normal variant cornea. But they also admitted that the differences in videokeratography indexes between keratoconus suspect and normal eyes are subtle.

Is thygeson’s disease rare?

What is Thygeson’s superficial punctate keratopathy?

Thygeson’s superficial punctate keratopathy ( TSPK) is a disease of the eyes. The causes of TSPK are not currently known, but details of the disease were first published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1950 by renowned American ophthalmologist Phillips Thygeson (1903–2002), after whom it is named.

What is Thygeson’s keratitis?

Thygeson’s superficial punctate keratitis is a recurrent corneal disease of unknown cause, characterized by focal epithelial lesions, bilaterality, intact corneal sensation, and no accompanying conjunctivitis. 1. Patients have symptoms of tearing, irritation, and photophobia.

What are snowflake opacities in keratitis?

Punctate keratitis (fluffy or snowflake opacities) consists of opacities of the superficial corneal stroma (Fig. 112.7A). They can be seen by the naked eye or visualized using a slit lamp. Up to 100 or more opacities measuring 0.5 mm in diameter may be observed, and these lesions heal without scarring.

What is punctate epithelial keratitis?

It is now more commonly known as punctate epithelial keratitis or superficial punctate keratitis. It is a type of inflammation of the cornea. This problem appears as fine, scattered areas of loss of epithelium from the cornea – the clear part of the surface of the eye.