Migratory serpiginous corneal epitheliopathy (MSCE)- details of 4 cases

Abstract Background and objective To describe four cases of recurrent, fleeting corneal epithelial lesion, migratory serpiginous corneal epitheliopathy (MSCE). Method Description of cases, histopathology and discussion of treatment outcome. Results The study included 4 consecutive male patients; mean age was 21.25 years. Only one eye was affected. The common symptoms were irritation and tearing. Typical interpalpebral corneal lesion was a superficial greyish-white elevated corneal epithelium with stippled fluorescein staining in various geographic patterns. Corneal scrapings did not show any microorganisms and culture was negative; histopathology did not show corneal dysplasia. The lesions recurred within 1–3 weeks despite repeated scraping, application of a bandage contact lens, and a combination of topical antibiotics and lubricants. The recurrent lesion was of a different shape and eventually healed within 3–6 months without scarring. Conclusion We describe a possibly new entity, unilateral migratory serpiginous corneal epitheliopathy (MSCE) affecting young males, with inconspicuous inflammation. Etiology is not known and usually takes several months to heal after repeated epithelial debridement.