Corneal hydrops secondary to undiagnosed keratoconus

Am J Emerg Med. 2020 Apr;38(4):852.e3-852.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2019.11.028. Epub 2019 Nov 30.

Abstract

A 21-year old female presented to the emergency department with an abnormal appearance of her left eye after trivial trauma the previous day. A protruding, opaque appearing area was noted on the left cornea. The patient underwent visual acuity testing, fluorescein staining with slit lamp examination revealing a conical corneal protrusion with corneal stromal edema suggestive of corneal hydrops. Corneal hydrops is a rare complication of keratoconus and various corneal ectasias where aqueous humor can leak into the corneal stroma causing edema and protruding pockets of fluid. Treatment is based on treating the underlying keratoconus or corneal ectasia in addition to cycloplegics, topical corticosteroids, topical antibiotics, and topical hypertonic saline.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cornea / pathology
  • Corneal Edema / diagnosis
  • Corneal Edema / etiology*
  • Corneal Edema / pathology
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Keratoconus / complications*
  • Keratoconus / diagnosis
  • Keratoconus / pathology
  • Missed Diagnosis