Painless bilateral bullous keratopathy

Abstract

Bullous keratopathy is a pathological corneal condition that arises due to irreversible oedema associated with endothelial cell loss or dysfunction. Symptoms may vary from mild (transient blurred vision and increased glare from epithelial oedema) to severe (an acute and significant loss of vision associated with frank endothelial decompensation, and pain due to ruptured epithelial bullae). Possible treatments to restore vision and minimise pain include topical hypertonic agents, bandage contact lenses, superficial anterior corneal surgical procedures or penetrating full thickness or endothelial keratoplasty. This case report describes a rare presentation of painless, bilateral, asymmetric bullous keratopathy with severe vision loss in an elderly male with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: Bullous keratopathy; Corneal oedema; Vision impairment.