Complicated Neurotrophic Corneal Ulcer in a Patient with Multiple Autoimmune Disorders

Abstract

Neurotrophic keratitis is a rare degenerative corneal disease caused by impairment of trigeminal nerve innervation. This can lead to profound vision loss from corneal epithelial breakdown, ulceration, and in severe cases, perforation. This case report describes a 60-year-old male patient with multiple autoimmune diseases including Sjogren’s syndrome, Raynaud’s disorder, mixed connective tissue disorder, and Graves’ disease who presented with a complaint of blurred vision in his left eye due to a corneal ulcer. A careful analysis of the patient’s case history was crucial to arriving at the final diagnosis of a neurotrophic corneal ulcer. Although treated aggressively with topical antibiotics, artificial tears, and vitamin C, the corneal ulcer perforated 10 days later. Optometrists who choose to manage neurotrophic keratitis should be familiar with the potential complications and know when referral is needed. CE Notification This article is available as a COPE accredited CE course. You may take this course for 1-hour credit. Read the article and take the qualifying test to earn your credit. Click here to Enroll (https://www.crojournal.com/complicated-neurotrophic-corneal-ulcer-in-a-patient-with-multiple-autoimmune-disorders) Please check COPE course expiry date prior to enrollment. The COPE course test must be taken before the course expiry date.