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Corneal hydrops

AI overview

Corneal hydrops is an uncommon complication seen in people with advanced keratoconus or other corneal ectatic disorders, characterized by stromal edema due to leakage of aqueous humor through a tear in Descemet's membrane.

Key points
  • It is an uncommon complication of advanced keratoconus or other corneal ectatic disorders.
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    Corneal hydrops is an uncommon complication seen in people with advanced keratoconus or other corneal ectatic disorders
  • It is characterized by stromal edema from aqueous humor leaking through a tear in Descemet's membrane.
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    characterized by stromal edema due to leakage of aqueous humor through a tear in Descemet's membrane
  • It may cause increased scarring but can occasionally benefit the patient by creating a flatter cone for contact lens fitting.
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    occasionally it will benefit a patient by creating a flatter cone, aiding the fitting of contact lenses.
  • Corneal transplantation is not usually indicated during corneal hydrops.
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    Corneal transplantation is not usually indicated during corneal hydrops.
  • It might be caused by a tear in the recently discovered Dua's layer.
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    Corneal hydrops might be caused by a tear in the recently discovered Dua's layer
Symptoms
  • Central Descemet's membrane rupture with inferocentral corneal edema.
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    Central Descemet's membrane rupture with inferocentral corneal edema (hydrops).
  • Patients experience pain and a sudden severe clouding of vision.
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    The person experiences pain and a sudden severe clouding of vision
  • The cornea takes on a translucent milky-white appearance.
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    cornea taking on a translucent milky-white appearance known as a corneal hydrops.
Treatment
  • Patients are recommended to take a sodium chloride eye drop solution and a dexamethasone solution for 4-6 weeks.
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    Patients are recommended to take a sodium chloride eye drop solution as well as a dexamethasone solution for a period of 4-6 weeks
  • Recovery can be aided nonsurgically by bandaging with an osmotic saline solution.
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    The recovery can be aided nonsurgically by bandaging with an osmotic saline solution.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory topical may be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
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    Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory topical may be used to reduce the pain and inflammation.
Red flags
  • Sudden severe clouding of vision and pain.
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    The person experiences pain and a sudden severe clouding of vision
Prognosis

The effect is normally temporary and after a period of six to eight weeks, the cornea usually returns to its former transparency.

AI-synthesized from the Wikipedia article “Corneal hydrops”. Not medical advice. Verify source →
Corneal hydrops
Other namesCorneal rupture
Corneal hydrops due to keratoconus
SpecialtyOphthalmology

Corneal hydrops is an uncommon complication seen in people with advanced keratoconus or other corneal ectatic disorders,[1] and is characterized by stromal edema due to leakage of aqueous humor through a tear in Descemet's membrane.[2] Although a hydrops usually causes increased scarring of the cornea, occasionally it will benefit a patient by creating a flatter cone, aiding the fitting of contact lenses.[3] Corneal transplantation is not usually indicated during corneal hydrops.

Central Descemet's membrane rupture with inferocentral corneal edema (hydrops).

The person experiences pain and a sudden severe clouding of vision, with the cornea taking on a translucent milky-white appearance known as a corneal hydrops.[3]

Patients are recommended to take a sodium chloride eye drop solution as well as a dexamethasone solution for a period of 4-6 weeks, timeframes may vary depending on the severity of a patient's condition. Once the medication cycle is complete and the cloud clears, scarring will be left on the cornea. [citation needed]

The effect is normally temporary and after a period of six to eight weeks, the cornea usually returns to its former transparency. The recovery can be aided nonsurgically by bandaging with an osmotic saline solution. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory topical may be used to reduce the pain and inflammation.[4]

Corneal hydrops might be caused by a tear in the recently discovered Dua's layer, a 15 micron thick layer between the corneal stroma and Descemet's membrane, Harminder Dua suggests that this finding will affect corneal surgery, including penetrating keratoplasty, and understanding of corneal dystrophies and pathologies, such as acute hydrops.[5]

  1. ↑ "Acute Corneal Hydrops". University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry.
  2. ↑ Sharma, Namrata; Vajpayee, RasikB; Maharana, PrafullaK (2013). "Acute corneal hydrops in keratoconus". Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 61 (8): 461–464. doi:10.4103/0301-4738.116062. PMC 3775088. PMID 23925338.
  3. 1 2 Grewal S, Laibson PR, Cohen EJ, Rapuano CJ (1999). "Acute hydrops in the corneal ectasias: associated factors and outcomes". Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society. 97: 187–98, discussion 198–203. PMC 1298260. PMID 10703124.
  4. ↑ Miller, William L. "Coping with Corneal Hydrops". Contact Lens Spectrum.
  5. ↑ Dua, HS; Faraj, LA; Said, DG; Gray, T; Lowe, J (25 May 2013). "Human Corneal Anatomy Redefined: A Novel Pre-Descemet's Layer (Dua's Layer)". Ophthalmology. 120 (9): 1778–85. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2013.01.018. PMID 23714320.