Keratoconus and Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis: a coincidence or a defect during embryogenesis?

PURPOSE We aimed to discuss the possible role of developmental embryologic factors in neural crest cells in the aetiology of keratoconus and Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis by presenting this case. CASE REPORT We diagnosed bilateral keratoconus and unilateral Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis in a 19 year old women complaining of progressively blurring vision in her left eye. We also examined most of her first and second degree relatives. One niece had FHI in addition to a choroidal nevus in the inferior temporal quadrant of her left eye. DISCUSSION Regarding the common embryological origins of iris stroma, uveal melanocytes and corneal stroma, it might be worth considering that the combination of FHI and keratoconus is not coincidental. A role of embryologic factors in neural crest cells in the etiology of both diseases cannot be excluded.