We have received the following query regarding the concept 413921009 |Corneal subepithelial haze (disorder)|:
“The FSN 413921009 |Corneal subepithelial haze (disorder)| is represented by a synonym “Corneal haze”. There are two concepts, 424353002 |Corneal haze caused by herpes zoster (disorder)| and 425961009 |Corneal haze caused by herpes simplex (disorder)|, which we would expect to be children of 413921009 |Corneal subepithelial haze (disorder)|. However, they are siblings. Also, the wording of the FSN is “Corneal haze”, i.e. not in alignment with 413921009 |Corneal subepithelial haze (disorder)|.”
1. Should viral corneal haze be classified as a subtype of subepithelial haze, or can it also affect other corneal layers, such as the stroma?
2. Is the synonym ‘Corneal haze’ appropriate for the concept 413921009 |Corneal subepithelial haze (disorder)| if haze can occur in other layers of the cornea? If so, should a new concept for ‘Stromal corneal haze’ be created to distinguish between different types of corneal haze?”
The definition in the AAO dictionary of the eye is as follows:
An opacification or cloudiness of the normally clear cornea in the stoma or subepithelial layers. Can occur with corneal infection, glaucoma or during the healing process after any corneal surgery. Most types will dissappear with time or drug treatment but may be permanent.
5 Comments
Anthony Khawaja
I don't feel qualified to answer this corneal question. Do we have any corneal members? If not, shall I invite someone from Moorfields?
Elaine Wooler
Thanks Anthony, if you can get some input from Moorfields that would be much appreciated.
Elaine Wooler
Shafi Balal thank you for joining the group and you should be able to comment on this issue now. If you need any further information let me know.
Shafi Balal
Hi Elaine,
In answer to your questions:
1. Should viral corneal haze be classified as a subtype of subepithelial haze, or can it also affect other corneal layers, such as the stroma?
Viral corneal haze can affect other layers such as the stroma and shouldn't be a general sub-type of subepithelial haze which is more specific to adenoviral infection.
2. Is the synonym ‘Corneal haze’ appropriate for the concept 413921009 |Corneal subepithelial haze (disorder)| if haze can occur in other layers of the cornea? If so, should a new concept for ‘Stromal corneal haze’ be created to distinguish between different types of corneal haze?”
Corneal haze is not directly synonymous with subepithelial haze. A separate stromal corneal haze would be preferred - you could have corneal haze and then subtypes of subepithelial corneal haze and stromal corneal haze
Elaine Wooler
Shafi Balal
Thank you very much for your response. I’ll proceed as you suggested, creating a concept for Corneal haze with subtypes for subepithelial corneal haze and stromal corneal haze.