Filamentary Keratitis

Filamentary Keratitis
		SYMPTOMS	Pain \| Foreign body sensation \| Tearing \| Photophobia
		SIGNS	Strands of mucous + epithelial cells \| Injection
		WORK-UP	Thorough history. Slit lamp examination with NaFl dye
		TREATMENT	Treat the underlying condition \| Remove filaments with forceps (or other tool like a cotton-tip applicator) \| Copious use of preservative-free artificial tears \| 10% N-acetylcysteine (must be compounded) \| Punctal occlusion \| Bandage contact lens
		FOLLOW-UP	Weekly during treatment
		ADDITIONAL LAB \| TESTS	None
		ETIOLOGY	Usually caused by chronic corneal dryness \| RCE \| SLK
		DIFFERENTIAL DX	Dry eye syndrome \| RCE
		NOTES
			None