Epithelial infectious crystalline keratopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To report 2 cases of epithelial infectious crystalline keratopathy. Methods: Two patients (2 eyes) with significant meibomitis presented with minimal inflammation and plaque-like lesions on the corneal surface made of fine crystalline structures. Corneal scrapings of these lesions were performed for microbiological evaluation. The patients were treated with topical ciprofloxacin and artificial tears. Results: Smear examination of the corneal scrapings revealed numerous bacteria and keratinized epithelial cells with no inflammatory cells. Culture showed a significant growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium species in the first case and Pseudomonas aeroginosa in the second case. The response to treatment was poor, with recurrence of the crystalline lesion. Conclusion: Infectious crystalline keratopathy lesions may involve the epithelium and occur on the corneal surface.