Bullous keratopathy, also known as pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK), is a pathological condition in which small vesicles, or bullae, are formed in the cornea due to endothelial dysfunction.
Symptoms and signs
Disease begins with vesicles that coalesce. There is severe progressing edema and rupture may occur in 24 hours or less. ==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is arrived by slit lamp examination for epithelial edema, microcysts, and bullae. Imaging studies like specular microscopy for photographic mapping of the corneal endothelium, ultrasound pachymetry for the thickness of the endothelium and optical pachymetry for depth of the disease involvement. ==Treatment==
Treatment
Treatment can include hyperosmotic eye drops to reduce swelling (5% sodium chloride), bandage contact lenses to reduce discomfort, glaucoma medications to reduce the flow of fluid into the cornea, and surgical procedures . The most common types of surgical treatment are Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). ==Prognosis==
Prognosis
Keratopathy is common in older people. Keratopathy occurs after cataract surgery, its incidence has decreased since the advent of intraoperative viscoelastic agents that protect the endothelium. ==References==