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Diffuse corneal clouding in siblings with fetal alcohol syndrome
D P Edward1, J Li, S Sawaguchi
1Georgiana Dvorak Theobald Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago College of Medicine 60612.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 15, 1993
Summary
Maternal alcohol abuse may cause congenital corneal opacities in infants, affecting Descemet's membrane and endothelium. Histological examination revealed significant corneal abnormalities in affected siblings.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Teratology
- Genetics
Background:
- Congenital corneal opacities are rare and can lead to vision impairment.
- Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is associated with various birth defects, but ocular manifestations require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histological and ultrastructural abnormalities in corneas of siblings with congenital corneal opacities and a history of maternal alcohol abuse.
- To explore the potential link between maternal alcohol consumption and these specific corneal defects.
Main Methods:
- Light and electron microscopy were used to examine corneal explants from three siblings.
- Clinical data including family history of alcohol abuse and presence of FAS features were reviewed.
Main Results:
- Affected siblings presented with bilateral, diffuse corneal clouding at birth.
- Histological findings included abnormalities in Bowman's layer (thickening to loss), stromal edema, and unique anomalies of Descemet's membrane (anterior banded zone defects).
- Corneal endothelium showed attenuation or multilayering.
Conclusions:
- The observed corneal pathologies, particularly the Descemet's membrane anomalies, may be associated with maternal alcohol abuse during pregnancy.
- Congenital corneal clouding in the context of maternal alcohol abuse warrants further research into the teratogenic effects of alcohol on ocular development.