How successful is surgery for superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis?
MAR 10, 2014
Question:
I have superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis. I am now wearing clear contacts that are to act as a "bandage" for approximately 1 month. I am using an antibiotic eyedrop four times a day while the clear contacts are in place. The next step is surgery. How successful is surgery for SLK? I am a 57-year-old female and I am finding it increasingly difficult to work full-time on a computer and the lighting in the office also hurts my eyes. Will this ever get better?
Answer:
Superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis is one of those ocular conditions whose cause has never been proven. There are many possible causes, such as dry eye, thyroid disease, contact lens overuse, tight eyelids, and other causes.
The natural history of SLK can be a long term disorder with many remissions and exacerbations. It can cause frustration to both the patient and the ophthalmologist.
There are several surgical approaches to the treatment of SLK. You have not mentioned which procedure your ophthalmologist has advised, but I am sure that he/she will do whatever he/she can do to help resolve your SLK. Unfortunately none of the surgical options offers a 100 percent chance of success.
I suggest that you consult with your ophthalmologist and ask him/her all of your questions.