Polymorphic corneal abnormalities.

Alterations of the deep corneal layers, which are manifest primarily as Hassall-Henle bodies in older patients, are a relatively frequent finding in the normal population. Changes which occur in Descemet's membrane and the endothelium earlier in life can be ascribed to various causes, including dystrophy, herpetic infections, and birth trauma. Six cases in which clear vesicles and scalloped lesions were found exclusively at the level of Descemet's membrane and the endothelium are reported. Although the polymorphic changes were in some cases extensive, visual acuity and, apparently, corneal physiology remained normal. The etiology for all cases was uncertain, but the evidence suggested a dystrophic origin or the occurrence of posterior corneal vesicles of a nonfamilial variety.