Epithelial erosion syndrome (metaherpetic keratitis; kaufman syndrome; franceschetti dystrophy; posttraumatic keratitis)

General: Most likely caused by herpes simplex virus; previous corneal trauma or autosomal dominant.

Ocular: Recurrent erosions of the corneal epithelium, usually seen within weeks or months after herpes simplex infection of the cornea; 'loose' epithelium is removed from the underlying Bowman membrane mechanically by lid blinking; defects are irregular in shape and stain positively with fluorescein dye; underlying corneal stroma usually shows some edema; pain upon opening eyes in morning.

Clinical: Mild fever; occasionally herpetic skin lesions.

Aitken DA, et al. Ultrastructural study of the corneal epithelium in the recurrent erosion syndrome. Br J Ophthalmol 1995; 79:282-289.

Azar DT, Scally A, Hannush SB,et al. Epithelial-defect-masquerade syndrome after laser in situ keratomileusis. J Cataract Refract Surg 2003; 29: 2358-

Gunderson T. Herpes corneae: with special reference to its treatment with strong solutions of iodine. Arch Ophthalmol 1936; 15:225.

Huang AJ, Tseng SC. Corneal epithelial wound healing in the absence of limbal epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1991; 32:96-l05.

Kaufman HE. Epithelial erosion syndrome: metaherpetic keratitis. Am J Ophthalmol 1964; 57:983.