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West Indian Punctate Keratopathy and "Puerto Rican (PR) Spots".
Estefania Ramirez Marquez1, Angel Aguayo1, Sebastian Ruiz1
1Ophthalmology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, USA.
Cureus
|December 11, 2023
Summary
West Indian punctate keratopathy (WIPK) affects Hispanic patients in Puerto Rico, presenting as "PR spots." Further research is needed to understand the origin of these ocular findings in long-term residents.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Clinical Research
- Public Health
Background:
- West Indian punctate keratopathy (WIPK) is an ocular condition.
- Characterization of WIPK in specific populations is limited.
- The etiology of punctate keratopathy requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics of Hispanic patients with WIPK in Puerto Rico.
- To introduce and define "PR spots" in the context of WIPK.
- To identify demographic and clinical features associated with WIPK in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with WIPK.
- Data collection included patient demographics, medical history, and ocular findings.
- Analysis of a cohort of 18 patients residing in Puerto Rico.
Main Results:
- Eighteen patients with WIPK were identified, with a median age of 60.5 years.
- Most patients (61.1%) were female; typically, only one eye was affected.
- A history of ocular disease, particularly glaucoma (55.5%), was common; patients had lived in Puerto Rico >40 years.
Conclusions:
- The study characterizes WIPK and introduces "PR spots" in a Puerto Rican cohort.
- The origin of PR spots remains unclear, necessitating further research.
- Continued documentation and characterization are essential for understanding WIPK.
