Infectious crystalline keratopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To review the diagnosis, microbial and pathological features, pathogenesis, and treatment of infectious crystalline keratopathy (ICK).

Methods: We reviewed the literature on infectious crystalline keratopathy.

Results and conclusions: ICK is an indolent corneal infection in which needle-like, branching crystalline opacities are seen within the corneal stroma, in the absence of appreciable corneal or anterior segment inflammation. In most cases it occurs as a complication of corneal surgery and keratitis, with an alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus being the cause of infection. Discontinuation of topical steroids with aggressive antibiotic therapy may suffice, but continued infection, vascularization, or scar formation may affect visual acuity and require penetrating keratoplasty.