Ultrastructural study of non-traumatic recurrent corneal erosion.

• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.56.2.73
• Publication Date: 2007-09-18T21:53:19Z
• Authors: R C Tripathi; A J Bron
• Keywords: Adult; Cell Nucleus; Cytoplasm; Eye Diseases; Staining and Labeling; Cysts; Biopsy; Golgi Apparatus; Desmosomes; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Basement Membrane; Epithelium; Mitochondria; Cornea; Microscopy, Electron; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Tears; Edema; Humans; Female

The recurrent epithelial erosion syndrome of the cornea is a common disorder; it usually follows specific trauma to cornea, though may present without such history.It sometimes be inherited or occur in association with corneal dystrophies (Duke-Elder and Leigh, I965; Griffith Fine, I967).Clinically, patient presents symptoms sharp pain on opening eyes morning followed by watering, photophobia, variable degree blurring vision.Cystic changes within epithelium are recognized biomicroscopical features.This associated slight lifting, linear cracks, frank loss which gives condition its name.Our knowledge aetiopathogenesis this disorder is, however, limited.In cases pre- cipitated trauma, has been suggested that basement membrane over trau- matized area defective (Goldman, Dohlman, Kravitt, I969; Khodadoust, Silverstein, Kenyon, Dowling, I968).The purpose paper report for first time ultrastructural features biopsies taken from case bilateral non-traumatic origin.Clinical AN UNMARRIED WHITE FEMALE AGED 29 YEARS presented June, I969, history intermittent irritation watering right eye some weeks.The resolved treatment padding chloramphenicol ointment.The visual acuity was 6/I2 left 6/9 uncorrected.In September, both corneae exhibited cysts, sub-axial location (Fig. I, overleaf).Over next 4 months suffered episodes ocular soreness.Some occurred waking.In January, I970, diagnostic biopsy performed including cysts.Healing slow but complete fifth postoperative day.The asympto- matic 3 weeks postoperatively showed very fine cystic epithelium.The continued occasionally symptomatic, May, 1970, performed.At cysts had reappeared approximately same position as they occupied October, I969.The healed uneventfully 2 entirely free comfortable.