Neuroparalytic keratitis in Goldenhar-Gorlin syndrome

A 2-year-old boy had bilateral corneal ulceration with the Goldenhar-Gorlin syndrome. Initially, the patient received subconjunctival and topical antibiotics with minimal effect. With subsequent treatment of atropine, sterile ophthalmic petrolatum ointment, and humidification of the patient's crib, ulcers in both eyes healed in two weeks without further problems. He had a neuroparalytic keratitis with corneal anesthesia and decreased tear production bilaterally. Our evidence suggested that aplasia or hypoplasia of the trigeminal nuclei was the probable cause.