Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2022 | Edema | Case report
Descemet’s membrane folds in ochronosis: a case report
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2022
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Background
We present this report of a new ophthalmic finding in a patient with ochronosis.
Case presentation
An 85-year-old Caucasian male patient with bilateral dark temporal and nasal pigmentation of conjunctiva and sclera was referred to our hospital owing to low visual acuity. On biomicroscopic examination, bilateral horizontal Descemet’s membrane folds were observed. Corneal tomography revealed irregular and asymmetric “against-the-rule” astigmatism in both eyes. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography demonstrated numerous central Descemet’s without edema or other corneal structure alterations.
Conclusion
This is the first report of Descemet’s membrane folds in ochronosis. These corneal findings suggest that the accumulation of homogentisic acid in the sclera leads to thickening and stiffness of this region. These alterations could remarkably decrease visual acuity owing to topographic corneal curvature alterations, especially in elderly patients.