Filamentary keratitis is unusual in young individuals like yourself. They are composed of filaments of degenerated epithelium cells and mucus that adhere to the corneal surface causing pain, irritation and photophobia.
The most common causes include aqueous deficiency dry eyes, cornea exposure, Sjogrens syndrome or other ocular surface abnormalities. Treatment is targeted at the underlying cause, and usually involves some surface anti-inflammatories (fluorometholone), ocular lubricants and even manual debridement of the filaments.
