Corneal epithelial dysplasia

Corneal epithelial dysplasia without an identifiable limbal mass is an entity that is frequently overlooked in the differential diagnosis of chronic corneal epithelial disease. It is characterized by unilateral chronic irritative symptoms, decreased visual acuity, decreased sensation in the affected areas, and a somewhat characteristic appearance to the affected corneal epithelium. Mechanical debridement of the epithelium brings prompt relief from the symptoms, but recurrences are common. It appears that this entity is not widely recognized and should be considered in cases of chronic corneal epithelial disease of obscure etiology.