[The importance of differential diagnosis of superficial punctate keratopathy]

Superficial punctate keratopathy is a common ocular abnormality with the corneal epithelium and superficial corneal stroma involved. Various primary diseases can lead to superficial punctate keratopathy. Therefore, the differential diagnosis of the etiologies of superficial punctate keratopathy is crucial. Due to the absence of specific symptoms and signs, it is important to have an overall recognition of the disease and adopt necessary examinations for differential diagnosis. Acquisition of a detailed medical history, slit-lamp examination, in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy, and other diagnostic tools should be combined to make an accurate diagnosis of the primary disease of superficial punctate keratopathy and provide objective evidences for the determination of treatment regimen.