Kayser-Fleischer ring

Hey, quick question - I have what appear to be Kayser Fleischer rings bilaterally. They've been there for a few years, and so far I haven't exhibited any signs of Wilson's disease, or any sort of cholestasis/cirrhosis. They might not be K-F rings, but for all intents and purposes, they match the description and photographs I've seen.

My question is, are K-F rings ever benign? If not, what should I do to look into the situation, given that there haven't been any other manifestations or complications?

Thanks for your time.

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

Go to google images and type in the full spelling of KF rings to see if that's what your's look like. If so have your MD run blood tests to be sure you don't have it. Also have a lipid profile fasting done to rule out elevated blood cholesterol.

There are some rare, strange causes of rings around the cornea.

JCH MD

[sporadicali]

Thanks for the reply Dr. Hagan.

The reason I'm confused by this is because I'm a doctor myself, albeit not a very experienced one, having recently graduated. I've had the lipid profile done, and my cholesterol's great (110 mg/dl). Since my vision's fine, and I've had no health problems apart from the occasional flu, the rings haven't really been too much of an issue. The only reason I ask is because no one I've spoken with has had anything definitive to say on the matter, including ophthalmologists. There's a very laissez faire attitude towards these things in my healthcare environment, seeing as how everyone has bigger concerns, nonetheless, I was just hoping to put my concerns to rest.

Thanks again.

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

Well you might get serum ceruloplasm and blood cooper and if normal don't worry. I suggest you see an Ophthalmologist that specializes in corneal disease. You can develop a cornea juvenalis at a young age with normal lipids. Just like someone whose hair turns gray in their 30's.

JCH MD

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

meant to say urine copper levels.
JCH MD

[sporadicali]

I'll get those done, thanks. A family history of hypercholesterolemia has kept me very wary of my own levels. Incidentally, since you mention it, I'm also going prematurely gray.

Thanks for your time.

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

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