Crocodile shagreen is distinguished by polygonal stromal opacities that are grayish-white and separated by comparatively clear gaps. Lesions of this type typically involve the anterior stroma, commonly known as the anterior crocodile shagreen. They are also detected posteriorly.
Polygonal greyish-white corneal opacities are separated by rather clear intervals and mostly found in the stroma, sometimes close to Descemet’s membrane and occasionally close to Bowman’s layer. The irregularity of the lamellae of stromal collagen is responsible for these opacities.
The opacity found in the middle posterior corneal stroma is called crocodile shagreen. There are no edges to the opacities, and the spaces between them are clear. The pattern is remarkably similar to crocodile skin. Crocodile Shagreen gets its name from this fact. Crocodile shagreen is a mild and progressive cornea disorder, and most people with it do not experience any symptoms. It is challenging to distinguish between posterior shagreen and a hazy central degeneration of the cornea as posterior shagreen is typically observed in the core deep cornea.
In clinical practice, the examination that serves as the gold standard for the identification of Crocodile Shagreen is the slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Vivo confocal microscopy is a relatively new technique that has just recently begun to be utilized. This technique reveals a mosaic pattern in the collagen lamellae as well as dark striae in the extracellular matrix. The corneal stroma exhibits vacuoles under electron microscopy, and the collagenous lamellae possess a sawtooth appearance. These alterations result in the clinical manifestation of polygonal opacities.
Crocodile Shagreen Symptoms
Crocodile Shagreen is mostly asymptomatic. It is most likely a chronic condition that is not hereditary. Several of the features and warning signs of this illness include the following:
- It presents as bilateral, polygonal, opacities that are greyish white.
- Fluorescein drop instillation enhances the appearance of anterior shagreen in the epithelium or Bowman’s layer.
- Posterior shagreen is usually found in the middle deep cornea, making it difficult to distinguish from central hazy dystrophy.
- It is normally asymptomatic, but in rare circumstances, it causes blurred vision, night glare, and other symptoms.
- Crocodile shagreen usually looks like two symmetrical, polygonal spots in the center of the back of the cornea.
- There are distinct voids between the opacities, although their boundaries are not clearly defined.
- The pattern is remarkably similar to “crocodile skin.”
- The whiteness of the eye’s dark portion (cornea).
- There is no acute discomfort.
- No excessive tear production.
Crocodile Shagreen Causes
The elderly are typically affected by this condition.
It is possibly observed after trauma or in conjunction with peripheral band keratopathy. The few incidences of crocodile shagreen are linked to polymorphic amyloid degeneration, glaucoma, and pseudoxanthoma elasticum. It is also associated with oblique collagen lamellae insertion in the corneal stroma.
These are all potential causes:
- This disease is seen in conjunction with corneal deterioration.
- Conjunctivitis-related problems lead to the development of this condition.
- It is also formed after the healing of the corneal ulcer.
- It is caused after experiencing any kind of tragedy
- Crocodile shagreen is almost often a non-familial kind of corneal degeneration that can arise at any time in a person’s life.
- The X-linked expansion of the cornea occurs in the familial form.
Maintaining healthy, disease-free eyes is essential for a happier life. Therefore, give the eyes the utmost amount of attention and care. Even though the disease doesn’t seem to have any symptoms in its early stages, that does not mean it can not get worse. To avert such circumstances, early intervention is required. There is therefore a lot of potential for avoiding and treating eye-related problems, such as Crocodile Shagreen, using herbal treatments.
Crocodile Shagreen Treatment
The Crocodile Shahgreenis mostly treated through some dietary changes. the following food items help in controlling this asymptomatic disease:
- Omega-3-rich cold-water seafood like salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel.
- Vegetables, that are rich in chlorophyll.
- Eggs.
- A complete diet of whole grains.
- Citrus and berry fruits.
- Nuts.
- Carrots.
- The sweet potato.
Because Crocodile Shagreen is typically asymptomatic, therapy is rarely required. However, if the symptoms emerge and the signs continue, the significant Ayurvedic therapy principles are as follows:
- Bilberry pills: It is a single herb capsule formulation that contains Vaccinium Myrtillus extract, which contains antioxidants, anthocyanin pigment, and other naturally existing flavonoids that are extremely good for the eyes.
- Vital Eye Angel: It is a herbal remedy that includes vitamin-rich substances, grape seed oil, and almond oil.
- Pitta Harmony: It is a formula for capsules that are created by combining several natural elements. This medicine helps to restore body energies.
- Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras: It is a traditional natural tablet product derived from minerals.
- Chyawanprash Brahmi: It is a traditional polyherbal mixture that is extremely excellent for the eyes and brain.
- Tablets of Saptamrit Loha: It is also a traditional polyherbal-mineral mixture that contains ashes of iron, which are highly useful for maintaining healthy eyes.