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Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK)

Superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK)

Category(ies): Cornea, External Disease
Contributor: Jesse Vislisel, MD
Photographer: Stefani Karakas, CRA

Superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK) is a chronic, recurrent condition of ocular irritation involving the superior limbus, bulbar conjunctiva, and tarsal conjunctiva. The etiology is unknown, but it may result from mechanical trauma related to the upper lid. The condition is associated with thyroid eye disease and contact lens wear. As seen in the photographs, there may be hypertrophy of the superior limbus, positive staining superior to the limbus, and injection and thickening of the superior bulbar conjunctiva. There may also be a papillary reaction of the superior tarsal conjunctiva and superior corneal filamentary keratopathy.