Open AccessInherited corneal opacifications with an unusual distribution
Author(s) -
Fagerholm Per,
Dellby Anette,
Bäckman Lennart
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1600-0420
pISSN - 1395-3907
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0420.2006.00756.x
Subject(s) - medicine , cornea , ophthalmology , corneal opacity , corneal diseases , descemet membrane , optometry , opacity , optics , physics
Abstract. Purpose: To describe corneal opacities of a new type and distribution in a small family. Methods: Family members were interviewed and examined to establish a pedigree and to detect any corneal abnormalities. Results: Two family members presented with corneal opacities. Both had, in the very peripheral cornea, flat, greyish, rounded opacities, 20–200 µm in diameter, on the Descemet's membrane. In addition, the mother had the same type of opacities over the central cornea just inside the Bowman's layer. The remaining parts of the corneas were clear. Vision was unaffected and the opacities caused no discomfort. There was no other corneal pathology. The subjects' general health was good. Conclusions: To our knowledge, these types and distribution of corneal opacities have not been described previously. Although the mode of inheritance at this point is uncertain, we believe the changes are of a dystrophic nature.