Rossenwasser says.īecause you suspect Wilsons disease in this patient, refer him to his primary-care physician.
3 These rings do not show up as a line at the level of Descements membrane, and they have more of a granular appearance from the deposition of immunoglobulin G, Dr. Patients who have this cancer of the plasma cellthis part of the immune system manufactures immunoglobulins to fight infection and diseasemay present with corneal rings. 2 It may or may not surround the entire base of the cone. A Fleischer ring, as seen in keratoconus patients, is yellow-brown to olive-green in color and results from the deposition of hemosiderin (iron) deep in the epithelium. If a foreign body is embedded in the patients cornea, a colored ring can be present, Dr. other types of corneal rings, adds ophthalmologist George Rosenwasser, of Hershey, Pa.Ĭorneal rings may also be present in patients who have:Ī foreign body. If the rings are bilateral, theyre more likely to be Kayser-Fleischer rings vs. These rings result from copper accumulation and are a rusty brown-green color, says ophthalmologist Eric D. Patients who have Wilsons disease present with Kayser-Fleisher rings in Descemets membrane. One way Wilsons disease is diagnosed: via a slit-lamp exam. 1 Symptoms of Wilsons disease usually present in late adolescence. They also may develop all types of mental illness, including depression and aggressive, homicidal or suicidal behavior.1 Women with the condition may experience irregularities in their menstrual cycle, infertility or several miscarriages. Patients with Wilsons disease may have jaundice abdominal swelling abdominal pain vomiting of blood tremors and problems swallowing, talking and walking. 1 If not detected and treated, Wilsons disease can lead to copper poisoning and death. This accumulation starts im-mediately after birth and results in hepatitis, psychiatric problems, or neurological symptoms. Can you tell me more about this disease and how I should manage this patient?Ī: Wilsons disease is a genetic condition (autosomal recessive) that causes excessive copper accumulation in the liver or brain. Im concerned that he might have Wilsons disease. Q: A 19-year-old male patient has a green-brown colored deep ring in the periphery of both corneas, and he reports recent gait problems.