Human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with posterior intracorneal precipitates

To describe an unusual and possibly new keratopathy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients.

Retrospective observational case series.

: Six HIV-positive patients at four centers.

A complete medical history was obtained and a thorough ophthalmic examination was performed on each of the patients.

Each patient had bilaterally symmetrical keratopathy consisting of variably pigmented round and reticular posterior intracorneal precipitates at the level of Descemet's membrane. The precipitates were diffuse, but larger and more prominent near the limbus and finer toward the central cornea. None of the eyes were inflamed, and all had normal vision. No patient had uveitis on presentation or any history of cytomegalovirus retinitis.

These patients have a unique posterior keratopathy, which requires further investigation.