Punctate epithelial erosions are a pathology affecting the cornea.
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.
Cause Punctate epithelial erosions may be seen with different disorders: Rosacea Dry-eye syndrome Blepharitis Acute bacterial conjunctivitis Trauma Exposure keratopathy from poor eyelid 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 Thygeson's Superficial Punctate Keratopathy
Diagnosis Slit lamp examination
Treatment Due to the different underlying causes, proper diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis can only be determined by an eye care professional. Punctate epithelial erosions may be treated with artificial tears. In some disorders, topical antibiotic is added to the treatment. Patients should discontinue contact lens wear until recovery.
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