What is punctate keratitis?
MAY 13, 2024
Question:
What is punctate keratitis?
Answer:
Superficial punctate keratitis (SPK) is the characteristic finding in Thygeson's Disease where the upper layers of the cornea are inflamed. An ophthalmologist may see small white opacities just below the surface of the cornea with a characteristic "negative fluorescein staining" pattern. This means there are elevations on the cornea that disrupt the normal clear coat of fluorescein dye used to diagnose the condition.
Common symptoms are burning, tearing, light sensitivity, and a sensation of a foreign body in their eyes. Sometimes these symptoms can be quite severe despite having few signs on a slit lamp exam. The symptoms tend to resolve without treatment, although a topical steroid can be used for severe cases.
This question was originally answered on July 1, 2013.