Which of the following is NOT true regarding Filamentary Keratopathy?

• A. It can be caused by Neurotrophic keratopathy
• B. It is caused by chronic corneal inflammation
• C. Filaments will not stain with fluorescein
• D. Filaments can cause symptoms of irritation via friction

Answer: (C)

Filamentary keratopathy features slender strands of degenerating epithelial cells embedded in mucus that cling to the corneal surface and irritate the eye with blinking. These filaments form where the surface is compromised—often seen with neurotrophic keratopathy, where reduced corneal sensation and trophic support slow healing, or with chronic inflammatory states that disturb the tear film and epithelium. The filaments can take up fluorescein dye, as staining highlights epithelial disruption and the mucus-rich filaments themselves; Rose Bengal or Lissamine Green more readily highlight the mucus content, but fluorescein staining is still possible. Because the strands move with the blink and rub against the cornea, they cause irritation through friction.