Mooren

Mooren is a surname of German origin. The name is also associated with a medical eponym in ophthalmology: Mooren's ulcer, or Mooren disease, a rare, idiopathic, autoimmune peripheral corneal ulceration. It presents as a rapidly progressive, painful corneal ulcer at the edge of the cornea, with thinning and possible perforation if untreated. Unlike infectious keratitis, there is typically little to no scleral involvement and antimicrobial therapy alone is not effective. Onset is usually in adulthood, and the disease can be unilateral or bilateral.

Pathophysiology is considered autoimmune, with immune-mediated destruction of corneal stroma; associations with other autoimmune conditions have been described but not consistently established. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by exclusion of infectious keratitis; laboratory tests may be performed to rule out other causes.

Management includes immunosuppression to control inflammation: topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, and systemic immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids or methotrexate, cyclosporine; treatment is tailored. Adjunct procedural options include conjunctival resection, lamellar or full-thickness keratoplasty, and use of bandage contact lenses or lubrication. Prognosis varies; recurrence is common and long-term follow-up is required; visual outcome depends on involvement and response to therapy.

As a surname, Mooren exists in German-speaking regions; notable individuals bearing the name have contributed to science and medicine. The term Mooren's ulcer is widely recognized in ophthalmology.