Kayser-Fleischer Ring: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Kayser-Fleischer ring is a condition that affects the eyes and is typically associated with Wilson's disease. Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder that causes the body to retain copper, which can lead to various health problems, including liver damage and neurological symptoms.
While not all people with Wilson's disease will develop Kayser-Fleischer ring, it is a relatively common symptom in those who do. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Kayser-Fleischer ring.
Causes
Kayser-Fleischer ring is caused by the accumulation of copper in the cornea of the eye. This build-up of copper is due to the body's inability to properly process and excrete copper, which is a hallmark of Wilson's disease.
Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive disorder, which means that a person must inherit two copies of the mutated gene - one from each parent - to develop the condition. If a person has only one copy of the mutated gene, they are a carrier but will not develop the disease.
Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of Kayser-Fleischer ring is a golden-brown ring around the cornea of the eye. This ring is caused by the deposition of copper, and its appearance can be an early indication of Wilson's disease.
In addition to the ring, people with Kayser-Fleischer ring may experience other eye-related symptoms, such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty focusing.
Treatment
The treatment for Kayser-Fleischer ring depends on the underlying cause, which is Wilson's disease. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce the amount of copper in the body to prevent further damage to the liver and other organs.
Treatment may involve medications that bind to copper and help the body excrete it, such as penicillamine and trientine. A low-copper diet may also be recommended to reduce the amount of copper in the diet.
In some cases, liver transplantation may be necessary if the liver damage is severe. However, this is usually only considered as a last resort.
- Kayser-Fleischer ring is a condition that affects the eyes and is typically associated with Wilson's disease.
- The condition is caused by the accumulation of copper in the cornea of the eye due to the body's inability to properly process and excrete copper.
- The most obvious symptom of Kayser-Fleischer ring is a golden-brown ring around the cornea of the eye.
- Treatment involves reducing the amount of copper in the body to prevent further
Diagnosis Codes for Kayser-Fleischer ring | H18.04