Schnyder crystalline dystrophy sine crystals. Recommendation for a revision of nomenclature.

PURPOSE

To determine the percentage of patients with Schnyder crystal line dystrophy who had corneal crystal deposition.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients with Schnyder crystalline dystrophy were identified by the author since 1987. Each patient had a complete ophthalmic evaluation, including slit-lamp examination by the author.

RESULTS

Only 51% (17 of 33) of patients with Schnyder crystalline corneal dystrophy actually had clinical evidence of corneal crystalline deposits.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the confusing nomenclature, many ophthalmologists presume that the presence of corneal crystals is an integral part of the diagnosis of Schnyder crystalline dystrophy. The clinician should be aware that despite the fact that the noncrystalline form of the dystrophy has been poorly recognized, it is equally common.