Band keratopathy
Band Keratopathy is an ophthalmic condition in which calcium deposits accumulate in the superficial layers of the cornea of the eye.
(That this term concerns the cornea of the eye is indicated by the part of the term "kerato-" which refers to the cornea of the eye, and is also applied to other terms in this section - listed on the left).
The name band keratopathy is especially appropriate because the calcium deposits generally appear as a horizontal band at the edge (periphery) of the eye then the band gradually moves towards the centre of the eye.
Band keratopathy is a corneal degeneration that can happen for various reasons. Patients with band keratopathy may suffer from general decrease in vision as the deposition of calcium progresses across the visual axis of the eye. The irritating sense of something being in one's eye "foreign body sensation", and irritation associated with an irregular surface are common symptoms. The condition is also visible so may be of cosmetic concern.
Band keratopathy is associated with chronic eye diseases such as chronic uveitis.
More about Ophthalmology:
This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include
- A diagram of the eye
- Definitions and descriptions of the parts of the eye
- A concise description of the human retina
- Definitions of parts of the retina
- Clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system
For further information see also our pages of books about ophthalmology.
The following books may also be of interest:
