Cornea verticillata explained

Synonym:	Fleischer vortex^[1]
Specialty:	ophthalmology
Treatment:	Discontinuation of the offending drug results in complete resolution of the opacity.

Cornea verticillata, also called vortex keratopathy or whorl keratopathy, is a condition characterised by corneal deposits at the level of the basal epithelium forming a faint golden-brown whorl pattern.^[2] It is seen in Fabry disease or in case of prolonged amiodarone intake.^[3] Furthermore, it is a common adverse side effect of the use of rho-kinase inhibitors in glaucoma therapy.^[4]

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Presentation

No ocular complaints or visual difficulty is usually present.^[5]

Pathophysiology

This keratopathy is probably a type of drug-induced lipidosis.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Definition: 'Cornea Verticillata'. MediLexicon. 29 November 2013.
2. van der Tol. Linda. Sminia. Marije L. Hollak. Carla E M. Biegstraaten. Marieke. Cornea verticillata supports a diagnosis of Fabry disease in non-classical phenotypes: results from the Dutch cohort and a systematic review. British Journal of Ophthalmology. 100. 1. 2016. 3–8. 0007-1161. 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2014-306433. 25677671. free.
3. Chew. E. Ghosh, M . McCulloch, C . Amiodarone-induced cornea verticillata.. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology. June 1982. 17. 3. 96–9. 7116220.
4. Rivera . Sean S. . Radunzel . Nicole . Boese . Erin A. . 2023-11-01 . Symptomatic Netarsudil-Induced Verticillata . JAMA Ophthalmology . 141 . 11 . e232949 . 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.2949 . 2168-6173 . 37971506. 265267017 .
5. Web site: Graff. Jordan M.. Verticillata. University of Iowa Health Care, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. 29 November 2013. February 21, 2005.