Letter Keratitis

Letter Keratitis, a peculiar disease of the cornea, is expressed by the appearance of linear opacities in its superficial layers, which interweave in various ways and form figures resembling letters. This disease occurs, mainly, in young age and is not connected in any way with injuries of the cornea. Two forms are described: one is more mild and passes without a trace soon, and the other is severe, very prolonged and obstinate, often ending with a significant opacity of the cornea and a sharp weakening of vision. In cases of a severely proceeding Letter keratitis, a frequently recurring, sharp lowering of intraocular pressure was noted, accompanied by an intensification of the opacities. The etiology and pathogenesis of Letter keratitis are not elucidated. Some place this affection in connection with tuberculosis. Haab differentiates this superficial inflammation of the cornea from other linear opacities of it (such as striated opacities, opacities after a compressive bandage, etc.), which are almost always located in the deeper layers. In severe cases, treatment is almost unsuccessful. With the introduction of the living microscopy, keratitis similar to the described one are, for the most part, referred to the group of superficial degenerative changes of the cornea.