Corneal stromal infiltrates in patients with recurrent erosions.

PURPOSE

To report six patients with recurrent erosions and apparently sterile anterior stromal infiltrates.

METHOD

The patients were examined in the slit lamp.

RESULTS

The infiltrates resolved slowly in one patient treated only with antibiotics, and more rapidly with the addition of topical steroid treatment in five. In one patient, shortly after the resolution, a new infiltrate appeared in a different site. Another patient suffered a year later a new, but uncomplicated episode of recurrent erosion. Three patients developed during the course of the disease a late phenomenon of nummular superficial opacities which disappeared spontaneously. 5/6 patients had anterior basement membrane dystrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical features are suggestive of a non-infectious process. The striking similarities in the patients' history and clinical picture imply a causative relationship with recurrent erosions. The inflammatory reaction, possibly occurring only in predisposed individuals, seems to be provoked by epithelial breakdowns. The nature of the stimulus is uncertain, but it might be of epithelial origin.