Filamentary keratitis--the clinical challenges.

Filamentary keratitis, while appearing to be a simple entity, can be a clinical challenge. Earlier investigators failed to understand the complexities of filament formation and its association with a variety of ocular and systemic conditions. Through trial and error a variety of treatment modalities were employed, ranging from the use of topical drops to the application of electrical current. In most cases filaments resolve with conventional therapy, but in other cases it can become chronic, eventually resulting in vascularization of the cornea.