Name of the Condition

• Common name: Mooren's corneal ulcer
• Medical term: Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK)

Summary

Mooren's corneal ulcer is a rare, painful inflammatory condition affecting the peripheral cornea. It involves the progressive ulceration of the corneal stroma, which can lead to vision impairment if untreated.

Causes

The exact cause of Mooren's corneal ulcer is not well understood. It is believed to involve autoimmune processes where the body mistakenly attacks the corneal tissue. In some cases, it may follow prior eye injury or infection.

Risk Factors

• Age: Usually affects people over 40
• Geography: More common in certain regions of Africa and Asia
• History of eye trauma or surgery
• Possible association with other autoimmune diseases

Symptoms

• Severe eye pain
• Redness and tearing
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Decreased vision

Diagnosis

• Physical examination with slit-lamp microscopy
• Corneal topography and pachymetry
• Laboratory tests to rule out infectious causes
• Autoimmune panel to check for associated systemic diseases

Treatment Options

• Corticosteroid eye drops to reduce inflammation
• Immunosuppressive medications for severe cases
• Surgery, such as conjunctival resection or corneal grafts, in advanced ulcers
• Management of any underlying systemic autoimmune diseases

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With prompt treatment, many patients can prevent severe vision loss.
• Regular follow-up is essential to monitor response to treatment and adjust medications as needed.
• Some patients may experience recurrent episodes.

Complications

• Corneal perforation, leading to potential vision loss
• Secondary infections
• Scarring and thinning of the cornea

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Protect eyes from injuries (e.g., wear safety glasses in risky environments)
• Avoid smoking, which can exacerbate inflammatory conditions
• Manage underlying systemic autoimmune diseases

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden onset of severe eye pain and redness
• Significant changes in vision
• Symptoms don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) - www.aao.org
• The Cornea Society - www.corneasociety.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the correct laterality is determined if specified; "unspecified eye" may need clarification in documentation.
• Use specific coding for related underlying conditions if documented.
• Avoid confusion with similar conditions, such as infectious corneal ulcers, by verifying diagnosis details.