Peripheral ulcerative keratitis in a child – An unusual presentation

Abstract

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is an inflammatory disorder of the cornea characterized by crescent-shaped destructive inflammation of the juxtalimbal corneal stroma with the associated epithelial defect. It leads to progressive necrosis of corneal stroma leading to perforation and blindness. Since PUK is more common in people with collagen vascular disorders, it is more common in middle-aged females. We discuss a unique case of a 6-year-old male child who presented as a unilateral PUK. Systemic investigations were inconclusive of any cause. The child was treated with medical therapy in the form of topical steroids and an immunomodulator, to which he responded well.