Corneal Lipid Degeneration

What is Corneal Lipid Degeneration?

Corneal Lipid Degeneration refers to the accumulation of lipids (fats) in the cornea,
which can lead to corneal opacities. It is classified into:

• Primary (idiopathic)
• Secondary (acquired)

 

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🔹 Primary Lipid Degeneration

• Extremely rare; no identifiable underlying cause
• Occurs without corneal neovascularization
• Lipids deposit in both central and peripheral stroma
• Blood lipid levels are typically normal
• Seen in deep stroma and Descemet’s membrane
• Corneal transplantation may be considered,
  → but prognosis is often poor

 

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🔸 Secondary Lipid Degeneration

• More common
• Follows conditions that induce corneal neovascularization, such as:
  • Interstitial keratitis
  • Corneal trauma, ulcers, or edema
• Lipids leak from abnormal vessels and accumulate in the cornea
• Can appear:
  • As disc-shaped deposits in areas of active inflammation
  • As fan-shaped patterns near old, inactive vessels