Filamentary keratitis epidemiology

Purpose To analyze concomitant pathology contributing to filamentary keratitis. Methods We examined 38 patients (76 eyes) with filamentary keratitis. All of them were consulted by co‐specialists (internist, endocrinologist, reumatologist) with the object to reveal concomitant diseases. The treatment regimen included keratoprotectors, artificial tears, 0,1% dexamethasone, 0,05% cyclosporine. Besides, in case of decompensated concomitant disease patients were treated by appropriate specialist. Among investigative methods were: biomicroscopy, Shirmer test – 1, TBUT‐test. Follow‐up period was 3‐5 months. Results Among concomitant pathology we revealed: Thyroid gland disfunction (hypothireosis) – 34,2 % Rheumatoid arthritis – 21,1 % Sjögren's Syndrome – 2,6 % Diabetes mellitus of 2nd type – 7,9 % Combination of rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid gland dysfunction (nodes against a background of euthyreosis) – 10,5 % Combination of diabetes mellitus of 2nd type and thyroid gland dysfunction – 13,2 % Neither endocrine nor rheumatoid diseases revealed – 10,5 %. Among them 1 patient after previous PRK. Shirmer test – 1 results were variable and no appropriateness with treatment regimen was found. TBUT‐test data before treatment were low (6‐9 sec.) with an increase up to 9‐11 sec. after the treatment. Conclusion 89,5 % of patients had endocrine pathology or rheumatoid diseases or their combination. With this in view, we may consider filamentary keratitis not as a form of severe dry eye syndrome, but as a separate dystrophic corneal disorder with dry eye as its symptom.