Band-shaped and whorled microcystic dystrophy of the corneal epithelium

Abstract

Objective: To report the clinical, histopathologic, and electron microscopic features of band-shaped and whorled microcystic corneal epithelial dystrophy.

Design: Two interventional case reports.

Participants: Two patients, two eyes.

Intervention: The involved area of corneal epithelium was scraped from each cornea.

Results: Histopathologic examination showed microscopic vacuoles in the epithelial cytoplasm in both cases. Electron microscopic examination revealed mainly empty cytoplasmic vacuoles with scant nonspecific osmophilic material. The process recurred clinically in one patient. Changes in corneal topography are documented in one patient.

Conclusion: Clinical findings and pathologic studies seem nearly identical to those in the original report. No pattern of systemic disorder or medication use was found. The cause of this condition remains unknown.