Highland Ophthalmology
Mary Davidian, MD, is a cornea specialist and medical director at Highland Ophthalmology Associates in New Windsor, NY. DR. Davidian completed her residency at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and a cornea fellowship at UC Irvine. She is an active participant of multiple ophthalmology societies. She is a consultant and speaker for BIO‑TISSUE® and can be reached at (845) 562-0138.
Filamentary keratitis is a chronic corneal condition characterized by multiple filaments attached to areas of compromised corneal epithelium. The filaments can be quite extensive and may enmesh calcareous granules, bacteria, and dust particles. Blinking lids pull on the loose ends of the filaments, stimulating the pain-sensitive corneal nerves and creating multiple epithelial defects. Patients often experience foreign body sensation, discomfort, photophobia, pain, and blurry vision. Filamentary keratitis most often accompanies dry eye syndrome and patients may also have underlying systemic conditions, particularly connective tissue disorders. Cryopreserved amniotic membrane contains anti-inflammatory mediators and complex arrays of growth factors and cytokines, which help regenerate a healthy corneal epithelium and may reduce recurrence.
Filamentary keratitis is a recurrent and incapacitating condition that may prove difficult to manage. PROKERA® effectively treated the above patient and restored a healthy corneal epithelium.