EDTA for Treatment of Band Keratopathy

Yosanan Yospaiboon M.D.*
Chedsada Noppawinyoowong B.Sc. (pharm)* *
* Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen.
** Manufacturing Pharmacy Unit, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen.

Excerpt from the article

Band keratopathy is the superficial corneal deposition of calcium salt, primarily hydroxyapatite, in the exposed interpalpebral area. It usually has a limbal margin that is abrupt and concentric to the limbus but is seperated from it by a clear zone. Characteristically, band keratopathy occurs in patients with chronic ocular inflammation.It has also been reported with chronic use of topical medications preserved with organic mercurial agents. Moreover, a variety of causes of hyper calcemia including primary hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D intoxication, sarcoidosis, multiple myeloma, renal fail ure, hyperphosphatemia or hypophosphatemia has been reported in association with the development of ban keratopathy. Typically, the calcium salt is graduall, deposited over a period of months to years.

Rapid development of band keratopathy has been described in patients with comeal epithelial lesions secondary to dry eye   or corneal exposure. Recently, acute band keratopathy has also been reported following intracameral Viscoat, and intraocular use of silicone oil.

Besides the cosmetic blemish and eye irritatiol band keratopathy may encroach the visual axis an preclude the patient from good vision. EDTA solution has been reported to successfully remove the calcium salt from the superficial corneal stroma, resulting clear comea and restoration of the vision. Unfortunately this solution in not commercially available in Thailand. We herein present a hospital-prepared EDTA solutioin used to treat ten patients with band keratopathy. 


Thai J Ophthalmol 1989; 3(2): 77-79