Lacrimal occlusion therapy for the treatment of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis

Superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK) is a chronic and recalcitrant disease of the superior bulbar and tarsal conjunctiva, as well as the superior limbic aspect of the cornea. Both the etiology and the pathogenesis of this condition are poorly understood. Many treatment options have been advocated in the management of SLK, including: topical antibiotics, topical anti-inflammatory agents, topical vitamin A solutions, chemical cautery, thermal cautery, and surgical resection. Most recently, studies have suggested that lacrimal occlusion therapy may be beneficial in the treatment of SLK. A case is presented in which this method of treatment was used, with excellent results. The implications of this report suggest that the use of lacrimal occlusion in the management of SLK may be a viable treatment option before considering more radical and invasive therapy. In addition, this case helps to illustrate the significant link between SLK and thyroid disease.