What is SLK Ophthalmology?

What is SLK Ophthalmology?

Superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK) of Theodore is a rare chronic inflammatory disease of the superior bulbar conjunctiva, limbus and upper cornea of unknown etiology. This disease has been associated with thyroid dysfunction, keratoconjunctivitis sicca and rheumatoid arthritis.

How do you treat a SLK?

SLK has been treated with silver nitrate or thermal cauterisation of the superior bulbar conjunctiva, pressure patching, and large diameter bandage contact lenses (BCL), topical trans-retinoic acid 0.1%, and recession or resection of the superior bulbar conjunctiva.

Is SLK an autoimmune disease?

Superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis(SLK) is a chronic inflammatory conditions localized in superior cornea and conjunctiva. The etiology of SLK remains unknown, however, it is well known that autoimmune diseases such as Graves disease, Sjogren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and so on, are often associated with SLK.

What is Kerato conjunctivitis?

Keratoconjunctivitis refers to an inflammatory process that involves both the conjunctiva and the superficial cornea. It can occur in association with viral, bacterial, autoimmune, toxic, and allergic etiologies. This activity outlines the presentation, evaluation, and treatment of keratoconjunctivitis.

What causes SLK eye?

While the underlying cause of SLK remains unknown, it is believed that the condition is secondary to superior bulbar conjunctiva laxity. Factors inducing conjunctiva laxity include thyroid eye disease (usually hyperthyroidism), tight upper eyelids, and prominent globes.

What is Thygeson’s superficial punctate keratitis?

Described in 1950 by Phillips Thygeson in a case report series, Thygeson’s superficial punctate keratitis (TSPK) is an insidious, chronic and recurrent disorder, characterized by small and elevated oval corneal intraepithelial, whitish-gray opacities, extending to the entire anterior surface of the cornea of both eyes.

What causes superior limbic keratitis?

How is superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis treated?

Medical treatment includes topical lubrication and/or topical steroids. In contact lens-related SLK, discontinuing contact lens wear for a period of time will improve the condition, while bandage soft contact lenses are beneficial for idiopathic SLK of Theodore.

What are Horner Trantas dots?

Peri-limbal Horner-Trantas dots are focal white limbal dots consisting of degenerated epithelial cells and eosinophils. Limbal disease can result in a limbal stem cell deficiency which can lead to pannus formation with corneal neovascularization. Corneal signs vary according to the severity of the disease process.

What is the difference between keratoconjunctivitis and conjunctivitis?

Keratoconjunctivitis is when you have both keratitis and conjunctivitis at the same time. Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, the clear dome that covers the iris and the pupil. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva.

How long does superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis last?

The signs and symptoms include burning, redness and irritation and tend to develop slowly over a period of 1 to 10 years. Vision usually remains intact. While the underlying cause of SLK remains unknown, it is believed that the condition is secondary to superior bulbar conjunctiva laxity.

How do I get rid of thygeson’s?

The most common treatment of Thygeson’s keratitis is corticosteroids. Dr. Freund said his first approach to Thygeson’s keratitis is a short trial of corticosteroids, but if there is no indication the condition is starting to resolve after a few weeks, he will turn to the cyclosporine solution.

Does thygeson’s go away?

Attacks usually undergo spontaneous remission in days to weeks, only to recur again within weeks or months. Recurrences may develop over any period of time and have been observed for up to 30 years. Between attacks, it returns to normal.

What causes thygeson’s disease?

The pathophysiology of TSPK remains unknown. Both, viral and immunologic mechanisms have been implicated. Adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, and varicella zoster virus, have all been implicated as a possible causes of the disease.

How is keratoconjunctivitis diagnosed?

Slit-lamp exam. Your doctor will examine your eyes with a special instrument called a slit lamp. It provides a bright source of light and magnification to detect the character and extent of keratitis, as well as the effect it may have on other structures of the eye.

Is thygeson’s an autoimmune disease?

Abstract. Thygeson’s superficial punctate keratitis (TSPK) is a chronic, bilateral epithelial keratitis. Dr Philips Thygeson first reported TSPK in 1950. Although the etiology of TSPK remains unknown, it has been reported to be associated with viral and autoimmune pathologies.