[On secondary endoepithelial dystrophy of the cornea due to non-magnetic anterior chamber foreign body (author's transl)].

Secondary endoepithelial dystrophy of the cornea can be uncharacteristic and lead to misdiagnoses. A foreign body in the anterior chamber producing an endothelial dystrophy is often recognized late, or not at all. Clearing the cornea with glycerin facilitates the gonioscopic examination. Foreign bodies found in the anterior chamber following war wounds of traffic accidents were most commonly glass, quartz or stone. After removal of the foreign body, the endothelial dystrophy can heal spontaneously. A perforating keratoplasty of large diameter is indicated if the dystrophy persists or increases. The results are reported.