Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis: A Potential Blinding Eye Condition

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by epithelial defects and stromal thinning of the peripheral cornea. PUK can be associated with local or systemic causes and infectious or noninfectious causes. The diagnosis requires meticulous clinical, laboratory, and radiologic investigations. PUK treatment may include antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory topical medications, and biologic immunomodulatory therapies. Decreased vision, redness in the conjunctiva, and tearing can be common symptoms of many ocular conditions. Nurse practitioners should know that PUK may also present with similar symptoms, requiring urgent ophthalmology referral to prevent devastating outcomes