Cornea
Infectious Crystalline Keratopathy
Also known as: ICK, crystalline keratopathy, infectious keratopathy, corneal crystalline infiltrates, post-keratoplasty keratitis, branching stromal opacity, needle-like corneal opacity, intrastromal crystalline infiltrate
Clinical decision support only
Overview
A rare, indolent infectious keratitis pattern with branching or needle-like crystalline stromal opacities and surprisingly little surrounding inflammation. It is classically seen in eyes with prior keratoplasty, retained or loose sutures, topical corticosteroid exposure, ocular surface compromise, neurotrophic cornea, or systemic immunosuppression. This is not routine optometry-managed microbial keratitis: suspected infectious crystalline keratopathy needs ophthalmology / cornea specialist involvement, microbiology consideration, and careful exclusion of graft infection, HSV, fungal keratitis, stromal dystrophy, and non-infectious deposits.
What OptoGuide™ covers for infectious crystalline keratopathy
- Recognition patterns — symptoms, signs, and differentiators
- Don't-miss risks and escalation triggers
- Management tiers with linked Australian therapeutics
- Referral urgency, specialty, and letter drafting
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