Have you ever noticed that there is a white band or film forming in front of your eye, above the cornea? Sometimes it can be accompanied by discomfort in the eye, a feeling of itching, etc. That's what we are going to talk about today. Doctors call this `(Band Keratopathy)`. Don't worry, let's talk about this simply.
What is Band Keratopathy?
Simply put, `(Band Keratopathy)` is a disease of the `(Cornea)`, the clear membrane at the front of your eye. You know, this clear membrane is like a window through which light enters our eyes. It is normally completely clear, which is why we see the world clearly.
But in the case of `(Band Keratopathy)`, calcium salts `(Calcium salts)` are deposited in some layers of your cornea. Think of it like limescale forming in a water pipe over time. This calcium deposits form a band (hence the word `Band`). Most of the time, it starts at the outer edge of the cornea `(peripheral)` and spreads to the `(center)`.
This calcium deposit occurs when the retina is damaged or weakened. This can be caused by a disease in the eye itself, or by another condition that affects your entire body, such as a problem with your immune system.
This is also called `(Band-Shaped Keratopathy - BSK)`, `(Corneal Band Keratopathy)` and `(Calcific Band Keratopathy)`.
What does this do to the eye?
The cornea is normally clear, so we can see clearly. But when this calcium builds up, that clarity is lost, and the eyes become blurry and appear dark .
When this calcium deposit becomes thick, it can cause your eyes to become cloudy. You may start to feel it inside your eyes before you can even see it. Over time, this can lead to low vision .
Most of the time, this calcium is deposited in areas that others can see when your eyes are open.
What are the symptoms of this?
If you have `(Band Keratopathy)`, you may have one or more of these symptoms:
- Blurred vision: Not seeing as clearly as before.
- Eye pain: Pain can occur, especially when small pieces of calcium deposits break off and irritate the eye.
- Eye irritation or a feeling like sand is in the eye: This is also called ``foreign body sensation'' in medical terms. It's just a feeling like something is stuck inside.
- Photophobia: Feeling like it's harder to look at light than usual, like your eyes are turning blue.
- Redness of the eyes.
- A change in the appearance of your eye: You may notice it when you look in the mirror, or when a doctor examines your eye with a slit lamp eye exam, and you may see a white-gray band, sometimes with areas that look like a hill.
Why do we get this kind of thing?
The main cause of `(Band Keratopathy)` is an imbalance in the calcium levels in the body. There can be many causes for it. Some are diseases that only affect the eyes, while others are diseases that affect the entire body.
Eye diseases can cause ``Band Keratopathy``
This condition may be caused by eye diseases such as:
- Glaucoma: This is a disease in which the optic nerve, which helps us see, is damaged due to increased pressure in the eye. If not treated properly, it can even lead to blindness.
- Keratoconjunctivitis: This is when two parts of your eye, the cornea and the conjunctiva, become inflamed.
- Uveitis: This is a group of diseases that cause the eyes to become red, swollen, and painful. This can also lead to blindness if not treated properly.
- Phthisis bulbi: This is a condition in which the eye is severely damaged and shrinks. It is sometimes called ``end-stage eye''.
- Eye injury: Damage to the eye, whether from an accident or a fall.
Band Keratopathy due to immune system diseases
This condition can also occur due to some disturbances in our body's defense system, that is, the immune system.
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system attacks its own cells. It can affect any joint in the body.
- Sarcoidosis: This is also an inflammatory disease. Although it most commonly affects the lungs, it can also affect other organs.
- Discoid lupus: People with this disease may have thickened, inflamed skin, like circular patches on the face or ears.
Due to increased calcium in the blood (Hypercalcemia)
If the amount of calcium in your blood increases too much, that is, if you develop a condition called `(Hypercalcemia),' that is also a cause. There are several reasons why `(Hypercalcemia)` can occur:
- Hyperparathyroidism: This can occur when one or more of the four parathyroid glands in our neck secrete too much parathyroid hormone.
- Vitamin D toxicity: Excessive intake of vitamin D.
- Paget's disease: This disease causes bones to become brittle and the rate and frequency of new bone formation increases.
Other medical conditions
In addition to the above, some other diseases can also cause `(Band Keratopathy):`
- Gout: This is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals.
- Multiple Myeloma: This is a rare type of blood cancer. Although the disease can be controlled with treatment, it is difficult to completely cure.
- Ichthyosis: This is a skin disease, there are more than 20 types.
- End-stage kidney disease: This is when the kidneys fail and are unable to clean the blood.
- Exposure to certain chemicals: Some medications can also cause this.
How do you know if you have this disease?
If you have the symptoms mentioned above, you can see a general practitioner, or you can go directly to an eye care specialist.
The doctor will first ask you about your medical history and current symptoms to determine the cause of this condition (calcific band keratopathy) and rule out other medical conditions.
In addition, you may be asked to have several blood tests to check the levels of these things in your blood:
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Hormones
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (these are kidney function tests)
The ophthalmologist will examine your eyes thoroughly. This will almost certainly include a slit lamp examination .
What are the treatments available to get better?
The main treatment for Band Keratopathy is called Chelation . Chelation is simply a process in which substances such as metals or minerals in the body are bound to another substance and then removed from the body.
In this case, doctors use a solution called ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) to remove calcium deposits from your eye. Sometimes, the doctor may also use a laser to remove any remaining calcium deposits and smooth the surface of the treated cornea. This is called a therapeutic keratectomy .
The most important thing is that this treatment is often done as an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home the same day. It is also done under local anesthesia.
Your eye will need special protection for about two weeks after treatment. Your doctor may use an amniotic membrane graft or a bandage contact lens to protect the treated eye.
Very important: If you have Band Keratopathy due to another underlying condition, doctors will treat that underlying condition as well. Otherwise, calcium deposits may develop again.
What can we do to reduce the occurrence of this?
To reduce your risk of developing `(Band Keratopathy)`, you can take care of your overall health and eye health. That means:
- If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or chronic diseases like diabetes, control them well.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight that suits you.
- Get regular medical checkups, and don't miss seeing an ophthalmologist to have your eyes checked.
What can someone with `(Band Keratopathy)` expect?
For most people, the prognosis (what the future holds) for Band Keratopathy is good, but only if the underlying condition that caused it is properly treated. It is not enough to simply remove the calcium deposits in the eye. If the cause of the calcium problem is not corrected, these deposits can recur.
When should I see a doctor?
It's important to take care of your eyes, as well as your entire body. If you feel like something isn't quite right, such as decreased vision or persistent eye discomfort, see an eye doctor right away. The sooner you get help, the better the outcome will be.
Doctors are just as concerned about protecting your vision as you are. That's why if you notice any changes in your eyes or vision problems, you should see a doctor immediately.
If you have certain eye conditions, immune system disorders, or conditions where calcium levels in the blood are too high (hypercalcemia), ask your doctor about your risk of developing Band Keratopathy. Regular eye exams can help keep your eyes healthy.
So, what should we take home from this story?
In short, ``Band Keratopathy`` is a calcium deposit on the clear membrane of the eye ``Cornea.`` This can cause blurred vision and eye discomfort.
- There can be many reasons: eye diseases, other diseases in the body (immune system problems, elevated calcium levels), etc.
- Recognize the symptoms: blurred vision, eye pain, gritty feeling in the eyes, sensitivity to light.
- There are treatments: Calcium can be removed, but the underlying cause must be treated.
- Seek medical advice: If you notice any changes in your eyes, see a doctor without delay.
Your eyes are very valuable. So take care of them. I hope this information is useful to you!
` Band keratopathy, vitreous humor, calcium deposits, eye diseases, blurred vision, eye health, chelation
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