Spheroidal Degeneration of the Cornea

Abstract

A thirty-one-year-old male patient presented with bilateral epiphora and stinging sensation in the cornea. Detailed history revealed that a bilateral corneal scraping had been made regarding the initial diagnosis of fungal keratitis. His bestcorrected visual acuities were 20/20 and 20/30 in right and left eyes, respectively. Biomicroscopy showed bilateral amber colored spherules in the anterior stroma of the central cornea. The diagnosis of spheroidal corneal degeneration was established and symptomatic therapy with artificial tear drops was prescribed. Ultraviolet light is widely accepted to be the main etiological factor in the pathogenesis of spheroidal degeneration. Because of difficulties in the early stages of the diagnostic process of the disease, incorrect diagnoses can be made with inappropriate interventions. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2011; 41: 264-6)

Keywords

• Cornea
• spheroidal degeneration
• keratitis