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Posterior corneal pigmentation in melanosis oculi
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|December 1, 1983
Summary
Melanosis oculi, a rare condition, can cause significant vision loss due to dense corneal pigmentation. This case highlights melanocytes in the cornea, a previously unreported finding associated with the syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Science
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Melanosis oculi is a congenital condition characterized by melanin deposition in ocular tissues.
- Significant visual impairment can arise from ocular pigmentation, but corneal involvement is not well-documented.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old girl presented with melanosis oculi and severe vision reduction attributed to dense corneal pigmentation.
- Corneal transplantation (penetrating keratoplasty) was successfully performed.
Findings:
- Microscopic examination revealed dense pigment granules in the deep corneal stroma.
- Electron microscopy confirmed these granules as melanocytes, exhibiting no phagocytic activity.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential embryogenesis error, involving melanocyte misdirection, as the cause of corneal pigmentation in melanosis oculi.
- Visually significant corneal pigmentation is a novel finding in association with melanosis oculi, expanding the syndrome's known clinical spectrum.