oxalates and Diabetic-Retinopathy

Calcium oxalate crystals, identified morphologically, chemically and histochemically, were found in the eyes of two patients, one with congenital buphthalmia and one with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The deposits had not been observed clinically or by macroscopic examination during sectioning of the eyeballs. Generalized oxalosis could be ruled out as a source of the oxalates. The crystals were localized in the detached, degenerated retina, subretinally and in the retinal pigment epithelium. Previously, deposition in the last-named layer has been reported only once and only in a case of generalized oxalosis. The literature is reviewed, and suggestions concerning the formation of localized oxalate crystals are advanced. It is concluded that the pigment epithelium is probably involved in the production, perhaps through a changed metabolism.

Topics: Adult; Calcium; Diabetic Retinopathy; Female; Humans; Hydrophthalmos; Middle Aged; Oxalates; Retina; Retinal Pigments