Kayser-Fleischer rings

[melinda68]

Dr Hagen, are these something that would NOT be missed by eye doctor as an incidental finding? In other words, would they be noted on slit lamp even if the doctor were not looking for them? I am a little bit worried about Wilson's disease due to some lab work I just had done. I've seen an ophthalmologist and an optometrist recently and was wondering if it's something they would have noticed. I do have a ring around my dark brown eyes, particularly the upper portion, but it's pale not dark. I'm just wondering whether it's something that needs to be specifically asked of an eye doctor, or whether it's something they would have pointed out to me. Thank you!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Even if a Eye MD or non-MD optom thought it was a F-K ring it would require confirmatory lab test showing  elevated serum copper.  A FK ring can look like a corneal arcus which is a normal aging change. So if that is a possibility work with your family MD or interest and get appropriate lab.

[melinda68]

It's because of lab work that I wonder. My ceruloplasmin was low, which means high unbound copper

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

The diagnosis of Wilson's disease is beyond my expertise. You will need to discuss that with an Internist or endocrinologist.

[melinda68]

Thanks. My GP said I didn't have any symptoms, so she's not worried. I will ask the opthalmologist to look for F-K rings at my next appointment

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Lest someone get the wrong idea and accuse you of being vulgar  it's KF or Kayser-Fleischer ring.  I'm sure if you look at your post you will understand.

[melinda68]

Oops, lol, sorry about that. Thanks for flagging it!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Ooops is right.  Best smile I've had today.

[melinda68]

Then my work here is done ;)

[melinda68]

(Hey, reading back, you started it in your first comment!)

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

My bad,  must have been a long day.  Thanks for pointing that out.