Kayser-Fleischer rings

Abstract

Kayser-Fleischer (K-F) rings are characterized by copper deposition on Descemet's membrane, mainly near the limbus. They are strongly associated with Wilson's disease and are the most common ocular finding in this disease. There is an association between the presence of the rings and the time of disease. The K-F rings are composed of small copper granulations of different sizes on the cornea. Wilson's disease is characterized by an accumulation of copper in the body, primarily in the liver. The occurrence of pigmented rings on the cornea not associated with Wilson's disease have been reported and must be differentiated from the K-F rings. They occur most often in hepatobiliary diseases, multiple myeloma and ocular copper containing foreign bodies. The purpose of this paper is to review the K-F rings and Wilson's disease.