DISAPPEARANCE OF CRYSTALS IN SCHNYDERS CRYSTALLINE CORNEAL-DYSTROPHY AFTER EPITHELIAL EROSION

PURPOSE: A 40 year-old woman with Schnyder's crystalline corneal dystr ophy had two episodes of epithelial erosion. METHODS: We reviewed the patient's medical record and photographic file. RESULTS: In the areas underlying the epithelial erosion, the crystalline opacities disappear ed. The crystals recurred in the subsequent five years but were not as dense. CONCLUSIONS: Crystals in the subepithelial or Bowman's layer m ay lead to epithelial destabilization and corneal epithelial erosion. Disappearance of the crystalline opacities may occur after disruption of the epithelium.