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Br J Ophthalmol 2006;90:285-288 doi:10.1136/bjo.2005.082792
  • Clinical science
    • Scientific reports

Corneal calcification following intensified treatment with sodium hyaluronate artificial tears

  1. W Bernauer1,
  2. M A Thiel1,
  3. M Kurrer2,
  4. A Heiligenhaus3,
  5. K M Rentsch4,
  6. A Schmitt2,
  7. C Heinz3,
  8. A Yanar1
  1. 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zürich, Switzerland
  2. 2Department of Pathology, University of Zürich, Switzerland
  3. 3Department of Ophthalmology at St Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Germany
  4. 4Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University of Zürich, Switzerland
  1. Correspondence to: Dr Wolfgang Bernauer OMMA Eye Center and University of Zürich, Theaterstrasse 2, CH-8001 Zürich, Switzerland; wolfgang.bernauer{at}hin.ch
  • Accepted 6 November 2005

Abstract

Aim: To report a potential adverse effect of intensified treatment with sodium hyaluronate artificial tears.

Methods: Five cases of deep calcium deposition in the cornea associated with ocular surface disease and frequent use of hyaluronic acid artificial tears are described. All patients used one formulation of phosphate buffered hyaluronate eye drops when rapid calcification developed. All eyes required corneal graft surgery for visual rehabilitation. Specimens at keratoplasty were available for light microscopy and investigation by dispersive x ray analysis. The phosphate concentration in the medication used for topical treatment was measured and compared to alternative hyaluronate preparations.

Results: Light microscopy showed dense mineralisation of the entire stroma. The crystalline deposits consisted of hydroxyapatite, Ca5(PO4)3OH. A 50-fold higher concentration of phosphate was measured in the sodium hyaluronate eye drops used for treatment (50.9 mmol/l) when compared with normal serum. The other hyaluronate formulations showed phosphate concentrations from <0.1 mmol/l to 10.9 mmol/l.

Conclusions: The hyaluronate artificial tear formulation “Hylo-Comod” favours the formation of insoluble crystalline calcium phosphate deposits in presence of epithelial keratopathy. This is because of its high phosphate concentration and typically frequent instillation. Manufacturers and prescribers should be aware that topical preparations may contain considerable amounts of phosphate which may lead to sight threatening corneal complications.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: none declared

  • Proprietary interest: none.

Responses to this article

  • Phosphate on the cornea: The dose makes the poison.
    • Norbert F. Schrage
    Br J Ophthalmol published online September 14, 2009
  • Author reply
    • Wolfgang Bernauer,
    • Michael A. Thiel, Arnd Heiligenhaus, Ahmet Yanar, Katharina M. Rentsch
    Br J Ophthalmol published online September 14, 2009
  • Corneal calcification associated with the use of topical phosphate containing preparation
    • Amit V Datta,
    • Mr Nick R Hawksworth, Consultant Ophthalmologist
    Br J Ophthalmol published online September 14, 2009

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