Ulcerative keratitis associated with crack-cocaine abuse.

Background: Cocaine hydrochloride (C(17)H(21)NO(4)) is a powerful neuro-stimulatory alkaloid salt which has been abused by many cultures for thousands of years. Crack-cocaine, a derivative of cocaine, has gained notoriety for giving a quick "high" at a relatively lower cost. Crack-cocaine exposure has been reported to cause corneal disturbances ranging from subtle superficial punctuate keratitis to perforation.