Corneal thinning and deteriorating vision in a patient with urethritis

Abstract

Gonococcal keratoconjunctivitis is a rare infection most often occurring in the setting of preexisting urethritis. Prompt complete eradication of the infection is vital for the prevention of corneal perforation. The authors present a case of gonococcal keratoconjunctivitis in the setting of untreated urethritis in a 34-year-old male. Given his degree of marginal corneal thinning, the patient was admitted for treatment and required an amniotic membrane graft. The patient returned to baseline following treatment. The authors highlight the role that irrigating the corneal gutter played in the complete eradication of the infection, along with the roles of other treatment modalities, including antibiotics, corticosteroids, and surgical options.