A Puzzling Condition: The Woman Who Sheds Crystal Tears

The white crystals excreted from Ponce's eyes (Photo: Discovery)

Laura Ponce from Brazil discovered at the age of 15 that she has a rare condition causing crystal-like formations in her eyes. When it first happened, she was terrified and rushed to the hospital with her mother. "The doctors were shocked and ran every test possible, but had no answers for me," says 35-year-old Ponce. "Besides the physical discomfort of removing the crystals from my eyes daily, this condition affects my daily life as a kindergarten teacher. I often need to take long breaks, which significantly hampers my ability to earn a living." 

Despite efforts to find a suitable solution for Ponce, doctors remain puzzled by her grim situation. "The only explanation for the crystal formation is some chemical factor," explains Dr. Raul Goncalves, Ponce's treating physician. "Every time a person blinks, they lubricate their eyes with tears made of three layers - water, protein, and fat. Blinking mixes these layers like dough. I suspect that in Ponce's case, the protein fails to protect the eye from bacteria, causing her eyes to create an additional protective layer of keratin, which appears as crystal-like formations." 

Meanwhile, Ponce is treated with various eye drops, which have little effect on her condition, and she hopes a more effective remedy will soon be found to help resolve her distressing situation. 

Ponce being treated by a doctor

For another article on this topic:

The Girl Who Produces Stones Instead of Tears