Filamentary keratitis (FK) is a clinical sign of underlying ocular and systemic conditions. FK can cause significant irritation, tearing, and photophobia in the eye. It is a refractory debilitating condition caused by dry eye that affects the day-to-day activities of patients. The etiopathogenesis of FK is not well known; there are numerous predisposing causes. The condition starts as a sub-epithelial or Bowman's membrane dysfunction and leads to the shedding of epithelial cells that take a strand-like form and attach to the cornea. These strands are surrounded by mucin and continue to elongate to become filaments. The filament formation is further aided by the shearing action caused by eyelid movements. Several management approaches, such as addressing the underlying causes of filamentary keratitis, administering copious lubricants, topical corticosteroids, mucolytic agents, bandage contact lenses, punctal plugs, and mechanical removal of filaments are available. The prognosis is fair, and most cases resolve with occasional recurrences. Traditionally FK has been treated with lubricants, mechanical removal, and bandage contact lenses. The newer treatments are topical immunomodulators especially that treat filamentary keratitis associated with aqueous deficient dry eye. The review describes the treatment as well as pathogenesis.

中文翻译：

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丝状角膜炎：综述


丝状角膜炎 （FK） 是潜在眼部和全身性疾病的临床体征。FK 会在眼睛中引起明显的刺激、流泪和畏光。这是一种由干眼症引起的难治性衰弱性疾病，会影响患者的日常活动。FK 的发病机制尚不清楚;有许多诱发原因。这种情况从上皮下或 Bowman 膜功能障碍开始，导致上皮细胞脱落，这些细胞呈股状并附着在角膜上。这些链被粘蛋白包围并继续伸长成为细丝。眼睑运动引起的剪切作用进一步促进了细丝的形成。有几种管理方法，例如解决丝状角膜炎的根本原因、使用大量润滑剂、局部皮质类固醇、粘液溶解剂、绷带隐形眼镜、泪点塞和机械去除细丝。预后一般，大多数病例消退，偶尔复发。传统上，FK 是用润滑剂、机械去除和绷带隐形眼镜处理的。较新的治疗方法是局部免疫调节剂，特别是治疗与房水缺乏性干眼症相关的丝状角膜炎。本综述描述了治疗方法和发病机制。