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Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Hurricane keratopathy

Hurricane keratopathy

Category(ies): Cornea
Contributor: Jesse Vislisel, MD; Matt Raecker, MD
Photographer: Cindy Montague, CRA

Hurricane keratopathy occurs in situations of high corneal epithelial cell turnover and migration. In this condition, the centripetal pattern of cell migration from the corneal limbus becomes visible. The cells usually make a clockwise whorl or vortex pattern as they move centrally. It has been hypothesized by Dua that this is due to the effects of electromagnetic forces on the eye. This epitheliopathy typically disappears when epithelial turnover and migration slows to normal rates.

References:
  1. Dua HS, Gomes JA. Clinical course of hurricane keratopathy. Br J Ophthalmol 2000;84:285-288 doi:10.1136/bjo.84.3.285.

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