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SYMPTOMS
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Tearing | Foreign body sensation | Pain | Intermittent blurry vision | Usually worse in the morning
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SIGNS
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Injection | Incomplete/partial blinking | Punctate epitheliopathy in the lower portion of the cornea | Possible ulceration
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WORK-UP
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Thorough history. Slit lamp examination with NaFl dye
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TREATMENT
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Frequent preservative-free artificial tears | Lubricating gel/ointment at night | Punctal plugs | Bandage contact lenses | Amniotic membrane | Lid surgery
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FOLLOW-UP
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Every couple of days if severe | Every 1-2 weeks if mild
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ETIOLOGY
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A number of causes may lead to EK, including: Bell’s Palsy | Ectropion | Lagophthalmos | Surgery | Proptosis
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DIFFERENTIAL DX
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Dry eye syndrome | Blepharitis | Punctate epitheliopathy
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NOTES
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In severe cases, EK may lead to corneal ulceration, scarring, and vision loss
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