If Volk striae and microcysts are combined, what condition might this indicate?

The presence of Volk striae and microcysts often indicates keratoconus. Volk striae are fine lines that appear in the posterior stroma of the cornea and are associated with the thinning and warping caused by keratoconus, a condition characterized by the progressive conical shape of the cornea, resulting in distorted vision. The accompanying microcysts are small fluid-filled cavities that can also be seen in the corneal epithelium during this condition, which further signifies corneal changes. Together, these indicators suggest the mechanical and structural alterations of the cornea typically associated with keratoconus.

Other conditions may exhibit one of the features but do not typically present with both Volk striae and microcysts together, making keratoconus the most likely diagnosis when these two signs are observed simultaneously.