| Theme |
The Eye in Hemodialysis Patients |
| Title |
Conjunctivial and corneal calcification in hemodialysis patients |
| Author |
Sanae Kanno |
Department of Ophthalmology, Hyogo College of Medicine |
| Author |
Tomohiro Ikeda |
Department of Ophthalmology, Hyogo College of Medicine |
| Author |
Yoko Danjo |
Department of Ophthalmology, Inoue Hospital |
| Author |
Keiko Sato |
Department of Ophthalmology, Inoue Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Conjunctival and corneal calcification develops in hemodialysis patients who have disorders of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. Although conjunctival calcification is usually asymptomatic, it sometimes causes conjunctival inflammation. Calcium is deposited in the interpalpebral area. Severe corneal calcification, known as band keratopathy, developing in the center of the cornea causes visual disturbances. There are two treatment options for corneal calcification ; one is dissolving the calcium by chemical agents, and the other is removal of corneal calcification mechanically. The former is better because band keratopathy in hemodialysis patients sometimes recurs after removal and thus require further operations. |