Ocular lipid deposition and hyperlipoproteinaemia

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Veterinary Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Elevated circulating lipoproteins can cause transient or permanent ocular manifestations.
• Lipid deposition in ocular tissues shares pathogenic parallels with other tissues, like atherogenesis.
• Corneal arcus and crystalline stromal dystrophy are two conditions linked to lipid metabolism abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate factors influencing ocular involvement in hyperlipoproteinaemia.
• To compare ocular and non-ocular tissue findings to understand lipid keratopathy pathogenesis.
• To elucidate the complex pathogenesis of ocular lipid deposition.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of ocular and non-ocular tissue studies.
• Review of existing literature on hyperlipoproteinaemia and ocular manifestations.
• Examination of factors influencing lipid influx, accumulation, mobilization, and efflux.

Main Results:

• Corneal arcus in humans and dogs is associated with hyperlipoproteinaemia, with differences in intracellular lipid and vascularization.
• Lipid keratopathy involves corneal vascularization, necrotic fibroblasts, and foam cells, influenced by local and systemic factors.
• Schnyder's crystalline stromal dystrophy involves intracellular lipid accumulation without inflammation or vascularization, and may or may not be associated with hyperlipoproteinaemia.

Conclusions:

• Ocular lipid deposition pathogenesis is complex, influenced by systemic factors like hyperlipoproteinaemia and local ocular conditions.
• Lipid deposition can regress if contributing factors are modified, similar to other tissues.
• Understanding these parallels aids in elucidating ocular lipid disorders.