Mottled cyan opacification of the posterior cornea in contact lens wearers.
OBJECTIVE
We studied patients who had mottled cyan-colored opacities of the cornea to better understand the cause and prognosis of this entity.


METHODS
We reviewed examinations of patients who had a mottled cyan opacification of the cornea. Risk factors, including contact lens wear and exposure to heavy metals, were analyzed. Clinical findings, pachymetry specular microscopy, and progression of the abnormality were noted.


RESULTS
Six patients who had a mottled cyan opacification at the level of Descemet's membrane were identified. These opacities were located in the peripheral and midperipheral cornea. All patients had bilateral findings, had visual acuities of 20/20 or better, and were asymptomatic. All patients had worn soft contact lenses bilaterally for periods ranging from seven to 14 years.


CONCLUSIONS
All patients had the similar clinical appearance of a mottled cyan opacification at the level of Descemet's membrane in the peripheral cornea. Long-term contact lens wear appears to be associated; however, the exact cause is unclear.
Holland
E J
EJ
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA.
Lee
R M
RM
Bucci
F A
FA
Janda
A M
AM
Doughman
D J
DJ
Harris
J K
JK
Krachmer
J H
JH
D000328:Adult; D003262:Contact Lenses, Extended-Wear / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003263:Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D003886:Descemet Membrane / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity