Cornea · Corneal graft rejection

Active SEI (Subepithelial infiltrates)

Adenoviruses are the leading cause of viral conjunctivitis. One notable complication is subepithelial infiltrates (SEIs) — small, round, grayish lesions caused by lymphocytic infiltration of the superficial corneal stroma and overlying epithelium, reflecting an underlying immune response. While these infiltrates can affect visual acuity, they typically resolve within a few weeks, though in rare instances they may persist for years. In some cases, SEIs progress to corneal scarring, which can cause irreversible vision loss. Topical corticosteroids remain an effective treatment for SEIs, but their use comes with drawbacks: symptoms often recur once treatment is stopped, potentially leading to steroid dependency. Additionally, prolonged corticosteroid therapy carries risks of its own, including elevated intraocular pressure and cataract formation.

RPContributed byDr. Ridhima PaddaResident, .

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