In vivo confocal microscopy qualitative investigation of the relationships between lattice corneal dystrophy deposition and corneal nerves

Abstract

Background To investigate the corneal neurotropic phenomenon in patients with lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD) with in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (IVCM). Methods IVCM was performed on a total of 15 patients (28 eyes) with LCD annually at a follow-up. A collection of the data was acquired to be analyzed. Results As indicated by the analysis, the LCD patients’ normal corneal stromal nerves (Grade 0) presented a decline with the prolongation of the follow-ups, corresponding to a gradual increase in grade I and II involving amyloid-wrapped nerve fibers, which demonstrated that the growing amount of amyloid deposit due to the corneal nerve invasion increased slowly over time. Conclusions The neurotropic phenomenon could increase with its severity in the corneal lesion of the patients with LCD, and also reflect the distribution of the corneal nerves, to some extent. IVCM provides a rapid, noninvasive way to observe the corneal nerves, which can be an efficient means of better understanding the development of LCD.

Isolated corneal perineural amyloidosis: a unique presentation of lattice corneal dystrophy

“…It was graded as 0, I and II based on severity of involvement. 4 In our case, we observed type IV LCD with isolated corneal perineural amyloid deposition with grade I neurotropic phenomenon and minimal stromal involvement. It highlights the unique presentation of LCD and the role of confocal microscopy in documenting and studying the grades of corneal nerve involvement in the condition.…”

“…Some may also present as prominent corneal nerves with amyloid wrapped around them 3. Zhu et al 4 have described it as a neurotropic phenomenon in LCD where in vivo confocal microscopy provided a rapid, non-invasive way to observe the perineural amyloid deposition. It was graded as 0, I and II based on severity of involvement 4…”

Combined Topography-Guided Trans-Epithelial PRK and PTK for Recalcitrant Recurrent Corneal Erosions in Lattice Corneal Distrophy

“…Lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD) is an autosomal hereditary corneal disease in which amyloid material deposits in the anterior stroma, causing linear, double-contoured lattice-like opacities primarily in the central cornea. 1 LCD is usually symmetrical, but sometimes the cornea of one eye remains clear. 1 LCD usually begins at the end of the first decade and affects males and females equally.…”

“… 1 LCD is usually symmetrical, but sometimes the cornea of one eye remains clear. 1 LCD usually begins at the end of the first decade and affects males and females equally. 2 LCD is known to have five subtypes: LCDI, II, III, IIIA, IV.…”