Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis (SPK) is characterised by all of the following EXCEPT:

• A Bilateral coarse epithelial opacities with clear intervening stroma
• B No conjunctival injection or follicles
• C Excellent response to topical steroids with high recurrence rate
• D Positive viral cultures confirming adenoviral aetiology ✓

Explanation

Thygeson's SPK is a chronic, recurring, bilateral condition of unknown aetiology — viral origin (possibly herpes simplex or papillomavirus) has been suspected but viral cultures and PCR are consistently negative, making it a diagnosis of exclusion. It is characterised by coarse granular epithelial opacities without stromal infiltrate, absence of conjunctival inflammation, and a waxing-waning course. It responds dramatically to low-potency topical steroids but recurs on cessation. Cyclosporine 0.05% drops are used for steroid-sparing long-term maintenance.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.