Eye

Cornea

Actinic keratopathy



Last author update: 1 October 2013
Last staff update: 17 April 2024

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PubMed Search: Actinic keratopathy

Nat Pernick, M.D.
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Cite this page: Pernick N. Actinic keratopathy. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/eyecorneaactinicband.html. Accessed April 26th, 2024.
Actinic keratopathy
Definition / general
  • Extensive solar elastosis in superficial layers of corneal collagen in band-like area of interpalpebral fissure
  • Due to chronic high levels of ultraviolet light

Gross description
  • Yellow due to solar elastosis
Chronic actinic keratopathy
Definition / general
  • Also called climatic droplet keratopathy or spheroidal degeneration
  • Initially involves periphery of cornea, increases in severity and incidence with age
  • Associated with long term exposure to excessive ultraviolet light

Microscopic (histologic) description
  • Amorphous globules of protein accumulate in superficial stroma of interpalpebral portion of cornea

Differential diagnosis
  • Other disorders produce similar globules
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