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Band keratopathy

AI overview

Band keratopathy is a corneal disease derived from the appearance of calcium on the central cornea.

Key points
  • It is an example of metastatic calcification that occurs in the presence of hypercalcemia.
    source quote
    This is an example of metastatic calcification , which by definition, occurs in the presence of hypercalcemia
  • Calcification occurs in the epithelial basement membrane, Bowman's layer, and anterior stroma with destruction of Bowman's layer.
    source quote
    Band keratopathy is seen when there is calcification of the epithelial basement membrane , Bowman's layer , and the anterior stroma with destruction of Bowman's layer
  • Calcium salts are intracellular when due to systemic calcium metabolism alteration, and extracellular when due to local disease.
    source quote
    The calcium salts are intracellular when the process is due to alteration of systemic calcium metabolism, whereas they are extracellular when due to local disease
Symptoms
  • Eye pain
    source quote
    Signs and symptoms of band keratopathy include eye pain and decreased visual acuity
  • Decreased visual acuity
    source quote
    Signs and symptoms of band keratopathy include eye pain and decreased visual acuity
Diagnosis
  • Diagnosed by slit lamp examination of the eye.
    source quote
    Band keratopathy is diagnosed by slit lamp examination of the eye
Treatment
  • Treatment is indicated if vision is threatened or if the eye is uncomfortable.
    source quote
    Treatment is indicated if vision is threatened or if the eye is uncomfortable
  • It is important to recognize and treat any underlying condition.
    source quote
    It is important to recognize and treat any underlying condition
  • Vision may improve by scraping off the opacity.
    source quote
    Improvement of vision may be obtained by scraping off the opacity
  • Topical disodium EDTA can be used as a chelating agent.
    source quote
    Topical disodium EDTA can be used as a chelating agent
  • Can be removed with the excimer laser (phototherapeutic keratectomy).
    source quote
    It can also be removed with the excimer laser (phototherapeutic keratectomy)
  • Other modalities include diamond burr and lamellar keratoplasty.
    source quote
    Other modalities include diamond burr and lamellar keratoplasty
AI-synthesized from the Wikipedia article “Band keratopathy”. Not medical advice. Verify source →
Band keratopathy
Band Keratopathy in a left eye.
SpecialtyOphthalmology 

Band keratopathy is a corneal disease derived from the appearance of calcium on the central cornea. This is an example of metastatic calcification, which by definition, occurs in the presence of hypercalcemia.[1][2]

Band keratopathy of a 60-year-old male

Signs and symptoms of band keratopathy include eye pain and decreased visual acuity.[citation needed]

Band keratopathy has several causes. These causes include uveitis, interstitial keratitis, , phthisis, sarcoidosis, trauma, intraocular silicone oil, systemic diseases (high levels of calcium in the blood, vitamin D intoxication, Fanconi's Syndrome, low levels of phosphorus in the blood, gout, milk-alkali syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, and chronic mercury exposure).[citation needed]

Band keratopathy is seen when there is calcification of the epithelial basement membrane, Bowman's layer, and the anterior stroma with destruction of Bowman's layer. The calcium salts are intracellular when the process is due to alteration of systemic calcium metabolism, whereas they are extracellular when due to local disease.[citation needed]

Band keratopathy is diagnosed by slit lamp examination of the eye.[citation needed]

Treatment is indicated if vision is threatened or if the eye is uncomfortable. It is important to recognize and treat any underlying condition. Improvement of vision may be obtained by scraping off the opacity. Topical disodium EDTA can be used as a chelating agent. It can also be removed with the excimer laser (phototherapeutic keratectomy). Other modalities include diamond burr and lamellar keratoplasty.[citation needed]

  1. "Digital Reference of Ophthalmology". Archived from the original on 2015-02-18. Retrieved 2007-07-29.
  2. eMedicine