Ocular alterations in patients with Alport syndrome-An update

Abstract

Alport syndrome (AS) is arare hereditary systemic disease that results in alterations of the kidneys, inner ear, and various structures of the eye. It is caused by mutations in one of the genes encoding collagen typeIV. In recent years, new and innovative imaging techniques have added characteristics of ocular alterations in AS and provided new insights, including into the pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the current knowledge of ocular changes in AS, as well as to present the Alport ocular pass. Narrative review article. Ocular manifestations of AS include changes in the cornea, lens, and retina. Specifically, posterior polymorphic corneal dystrophy, anterior lenticonus (pathognomonic for AS), and various retinal changes have been described, which have been further characterized in recent years by newer imaging techniques. In particular, foveal changes in AS may present as both athickened central retina in the context of foveal hypoplasia or astaircase-like thinning of the fovea. Both lesions could provide further insights into the role of typeIV collagen in ocular structures. The AS can manifest in various structures of the eye. The staircase-like changes of the central retina in AS patients indicate the important role of collagen typeIV in the homeostasis and regular function of the inner retinal layers. The often mild foveal hypoplasia may provide clues to the role of collagen typeIV in retinal embryogenesis. While anterior lenticonus is pathognomonic for AS and can be treated easily by refractive lens exchange, the only option currently available for retinal alterations is close follow-up and, if necessary, treatment of systemic complications of AS.