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