Skip to content

Keratic precipitates

Keratic precipitates are collections of inflammatory cells that can be seen on slit lamp examination. There are several different types of keratic precipitates, each with its own characteristic appearance and associations. Here are the main points to keep in mind about the different types of keratic precipitates:

Stellate keratic precipitates:

  • Have a star-like appearance, with fine, branching projections.
  • Are typically associated with non-granulomatous uveitis, such as acute anterior uveitis or Fuchs’ heterochromic iridocyclitis.
  • Can be a useful diagnostic clue for identifying the underlying cause of uveitis.

Mutton fat keratic precipitates:

  • Are larger and more granular in appearance, with a yellow-white coloration resembling fat.
  • Are typically associated with granulomatous uveitis, such as syphilis, sarcoidosis or tuberculosis.

Non-granulomatous keratic precipitates:

  • Are typically small and fine, with a granular or dust-like appearance.
  • Are associated with non-granulomatous uveitis, such as acute anterior uveitis, iritis, HLA-B27 associated uveitis, Behcet’s disease or Posner-Schlossman syndrome.

Pigmented keratic precipitates:

  • Are composed of melanin-containing cells.
  • Are typically associated with pigment dispersion syndrome or other conditions causing iris transillumination defects.

In conclusion, recognizing the different types of keratic precipitates and their associations can be an important diagnostic tool for ophthalmologists. Stellate keratic precipitates are typically associated with non-granulomatous uveitis, such as acute anterior uveitis or Fuchs’ heterochromic iridocyclitis, while mutton fat keratic precipitates are typically associated with granulomatous uveitis, such as syphilis, sarcoidosis or tuberculosis. Non-granulomatous keratic precipitates are associated with a variety of specific types of uveitis and can provide important diagnostic clues for ophthalmologists. Pigmented keratic precipitates are associated with conditions causing iris transillumination defects and can also be useful in diagnosis.