Corneal amyloidosis associated with keratoconus

Nodular, gray-white, central corneal opacities which extended from the subepithelial zone through the anterior four fifths of the stroma developed in a 50-year-old man with a longstanding history of hard contact lens wear for keratoconus. Results of histopathologic analysis of the corneal button obtained at the time of penetrating keratoplasty disclosed that the opacities were composed of amyloid. Corneal amyloidosis is rarely found in association with keratoconus. Although there were some similarities in the pattern of amyloid deposition to that seen in primary familial amyloidosis of the cornea, the authors believe that their patient is more likely to have had a secondary amyloidosis. Corneal amyloidosis should be considered in keratoconus patients with development of unusual forms of central corneal opacification.