Do you have dark circles around your eyes? Let's talk about Kayser-Fleischer Rings.

Have you ever noticed a dark, ring-like area around the iris of someone's eye? Perhaps a doctor has told you about this. Some people may be afraid that this will damage their vision. But this is not actually something that harms the eye. However, this can be an important sign of another serious condition that is occurring inside our body. Today, let's talk about this simply.

What are Kayser-Fleischer Rings (KF rings)?

Simply put, Kayser-Fleischer rings are dark rings that form around the colored part of our eyes, the iris. These rings are caused by excess copper in our bodies accumulating in the eye . They can appear green, gold, or brown.

The best thing is that these rings will not harm your eyesight .

This ring starts as an arc on the upper part of the eye. It then gradually spreads and becomes a full ring. These rings are located at the junction of the white part of the eye (sclera) and the clear part above the colored part of the eye (cornea).

How are these different from other eye lumps?

There are other cases where these types of eye circles occur. Therefore, it is very important to distinguish and recognize these from each other. Let's see what the main differences are.

To check for these KF rings, an ophthalmologist uses a special microscope called a slit-lamp examination . Sometimes, a more in-depth examination called gonioscopy is also needed. This involves numbing the eye and placing a special lens over the eye.

What is the main cause of Kayser-Fleischer Rings?

The main and most common cause of this is Wilson's disease .

Wilson's disease is a genetic condition that causes the body to accumulate more copper than it needs. Normally, our liver removes the excess copper. But in someone with Wilson's disease, that process doesn't work properly. Then, this copper starts to build up in the liver, brain, eyes, and other organs.

• Liver disease: Copper buildup can damage the liver and cause liver disease.
• Nervous system and mental problems: When copper begins to accumulate in the brain, various neurological symptoms and mental problems arise. For example:
• Movement disorders such as tremors in the limbs and difficulty walking
• Difficulty speaking
• Anxiety and depression
• Changes in behavior and personality

Imagine, about 95 out of 100 people with neurological symptoms due to Wilson's disease can see these KF rings . About 50% of people with only liver symptoms can see this.

Other reasons

In addition to Wilson's disease, there are several other causes of KF rings. These are also liver-related diseases.

• Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC): This is a chronic disease that damages the bile ducts in the liver.
• Neonatal cholestasis: Impaired bile flow in the liver of newborns.

How is this treated?

The most important thing we all need to understand here is that doctors don't treat the ringworm itself. They treat the underlying medical condition that caused the ringworm.

Treatment of Wilson's disease

There are two main goals of treatment.

1. Removing excess copper from the body: This is called copper chelation therapy . This means that special drugs (chelating agents) are given that bind to the copper in the body and remove it through urine. Examples of these are drugs like penicillamine and trientine.

2. Reducing the absorption of copper from food: This is done by giving zinc supplements . Zinc prevents the absorption of copper from the intestines into the body.

Treatment for other liver diseases

Diseases like primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) cannot be completely cured. However, medications are given to control the symptoms and prevent further progression of the disease. For cholestasis in newborns, special formula milks, anti-itch medications are given, and in severe cases, liver transplant surgery may be necessary.

Can't we prevent the formation of these Kayser-Fleischer Rings?

There is actually no way to directly prevent these rings from forming, because conditions like Wilson's disease that cause them are hereditary and cannot be prevented.

But, the best thing you can do is identify it early .

Are these rings permanent?

No, this is the best news. Kayser-Fleischer rings are not permanent . When the underlying disease, for example Wilson's disease, is properly treated, the excess copper in the body will be removed. Then these rings in the eyes will gradually fade and disappear completely .

So there's no need to be afraid of seeing this. The most important thing is to recognize it as a symptom and start treating the underlying condition as soon as possible. If an ophthalmologist mentions this during your eye exam, he or she will refer you to an appropriate specialist for further treatment.

Kayser-Fleischer Rings, eye rings, Wilson's disease, liver disease, copper deposits