Differential Diagnoses Pertaining to Thygeson’s Superficial Punctate Keratitis
The cause or causes of Thygeson’s Superficial Punctate Keratitis (TSPK) continue to elude the medical community. Differential diagnoses pertaining to TSPK include many candidates. Many people have experienced pink eye or what is known as conjunctivitis that occurs when the eyelid membrane is infected and swells. Conjunctivitis is sometimes diagnosed when the problem could really be TSPK.
Corneal erosion happens when the corneas outside layer of epithelial cells fail to attach properly to the lower membrane or what is sometimes called Bowman’s layer. This condition is extremely painful because corneal nerves are exposed when those cells are lost. This is sometimes the diagnosis that occurs. Because a patient will complain about a constant dry eye or dry eyes there can be a judgment that they suffer from dry eye syndrome. In some cases there has been an initial diagnosis that retinal dystrophy is the culprit, and then disregarded upon closer examination of the eye or eyes.
There can also be indication of what is called Map-Dot-Fingerprint Dystrophy. This can occur when the basement membrane in the eye shows abnormal development. The lower membrane serves as the foundation for epithelial cells. Those are the cells that take in nutrients from any tears, and then anchors and organizes itself. Another troubling diagnosis is keratitis herpes simplex, which is a cornea infection caused by HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus).
Even though there are different diagnoses that are normally found at the beginning of identifying what ailment a patient has it is usually sorted out due to the advances made in documenting Thygeson’s Superficial Punctate Keratitis, Thygeson’s Superficial Punctate Keratopathy, Thygeson’s Disease, Thygeson’s Syndrome, or TSPK.
Everyone values his or her eyesight. Whenever there is some condition that is out of the ordinary, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. As you can tell from the assortment of differential diagnoses, there is a chance that an instance of Thygeson’s Superficial Punctate Keratitis (TSPK) may be overlooked.
Suggested Link: http://wuphysicians.wustl.edu/page.aspx?pageID=523 http://www.crstoday.com/PDF%20Articles/0607/CRST0607_PR.pdf