The role of common viral ocular pathogens in Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis.

Background/aims: The aetiology of Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis (TSPK) remains elusive. A viral aetiology has been suggested by the absence of bacterial infection and clinical resemblance to other viral keratopathies. We report the results of polymerase chain reaction analysis for the detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2, herpes zoster virus, varicella zoster virus (VZV) and adenovirus from corneal epithelial samples from patients with active signs and symptoms of TSPK.

Dry eye: diagnosis and current treatment strategies.

One in four patients attending ophthalmic clinics report symptoms of dry eye, making it one of the most common complaints seen by ophthalmologists. Aqueous-layer deficiency is the most common form of dry eye and is frequently caused by decreased secretion of tears by the lacrimal glands. Evaporative dry eye is often secondary to meibomian gland disease and results in a defective lipid layer.