Punctate epithelial erosions

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Punctate epithelial erosions is a pathology affecting the cornea. It is also known as punctate erosive keratopathy or superficial punctate keratitis.


[edit] Signs and Symptoms

It is a characterized by a breakdown or damage of the epithelium of the cornea in a pinpoint pattern, which can be seen with examination with a slit-lamp. Patients may present with non-specific symptoms such as red eye, tearing, foreign body sensation, photophobia and burning.


[edit] Etiology

Punctate epithelial erosions may be seen with different disorders:

Dry-eye syndrome

Blepharitis

Trauma

Exposure keratopathy from poor eyelide closure

Ultraviolet or chemical burn

Contact lens-related disorder such as toxicity or tight lens syndrome

Trichiasis

Entropion or ectropion

Floppy eyelid syndrome

Chemotherapy i.e cytosine arabinoside

[edit] Treatment

Punctate epithelial erosions may be treated with artificial tears. In some disorders, topical antibiotic is added to the treatment. Patient should discontinue contact lens wear until recovery.