A Case of Conjunctival Lithiasis with Clinical Manifestations of Superior Limbic Keratoconjunctivitis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case of conjunctival lithiasis with clinical manifestations of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis. CASE SUMMARY: A 40-year-old male complained of pain, foreign body sensation and injection in the left eye lasting 1 month. The slit-lamp examination revealed injection of the superior bulbar conjunctiva, linear corneal band opacity, fine punctate staining and epithelial defect in the superior cornea area. After eversion of the left upper eyelid, there were many various-sized conjunctional concretions and inflammation in the superior tarsal conjunctiva. Therefore, we considered conjunctival lithiasis-induced clinical manifestations of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis and then removed the conjunctival concretions using a 30-gauge needle. After the procedures, artificial tears, antibiotic eye drops, steroid eye drops and a therapeutic contact lens were applied. After 1 week, all symptoms and signs improved and there was no recurrence for 4 months. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical stimulation by severe conjunctival lithiasis can induce clinical manifestations of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis. Therefore, in patients with clinical manifestations of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis, conjunctival lithiasis should be considered by observing the superior tarsal conjunctiva more closely.