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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Positron Emission Tomography Using 64-Copper as a Tracer for the Study of Copper-Related Disorders
Published on: April 28, 2023
Presumed corneal copper deposition and oral contraceptive use
Anton Orlin1, Stephen E Orlin, George A Makar
1Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, 51 N. 39th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. aorlin@gmail.com
Purpose:
To report a case of presumed bilateral corneal copper deposition secondary to oral contraceptive use.
Methods:
A 23-year-old woman was referred for evaluation of bilateral corneal opacities. The location of the deposits deep in Descemet's membrane and appearance made copper deposition a likely consideration.
Results:
Subsequent laboratory results revealed an elevated serum copper level (189 μg/dL). Other causes of cupremia were subsequently ruled out, and the patient's corneal copper deposition was attributed to her oral contraceptive use. With cessation of the oral contraceptive, her serum copper levels normalized, but the corneal deposits remained after 5 months of follow up.
Conclusion:
To our knowledge, we report the first case in the ophthalmic literature of presumed corneal copper deposition in the setting of oral contraceptive use. It is important to recognize the corneal findings associated with copper deposition, because it may lead to the diagnosis and treatment of other serious systemic conditions causing elevated serum copper levels.
