Disappearance of crystals in Schnyder's crystalline corneal dystrophy after epithelial erosion.
OBJECTIVE
A 40-year-old woman with Schnyder's crystalline corneal dystrophy had two episodes of epithelial erosion.


METHODS
We reviewed the patient's medical record and photographic file.


RESULTS
In the areas underlying the epithelial erosion, the crystalline opacities disappeared. The crystals recurred in the subsequent five years but were not as dense.


CONCLUSIONS
Crystals in the subepithelial or Bowman's layer may lead to epithelial destabilization and corneal epithelial erosion. Disappearance of the crystalline opacities may occur after disruption of the epithelium.
Chern
K C
KC
Division of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA.
Meisler
D M
DM
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology*; D003317:Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003460:Crystallization; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous