Skip to main content

Diseases

Corneal Dystrophy

Corneal Dystrophy

Definition

 

Corneal dystrophy is a group of more than twenty rare genetic eye disorders. In most cases, a defect in certain genes causes an abnormal accumulation of proteins, lipids or even cholesterol to be deposited in different layers of the cornea, the outermost structure of the eye. The result is a change in its transparency. Corneal dystrophies often affect both eyes, progress slowly and can occur in different members of the same family. Please note: rubbing the eyes, exposure to UV light or poor adaptation to contact lenses can in some cases aggravate the dystrophy.

 

schema_fiche_maladie.jpg

 

Symptoms
 

Depending on the type of corneal dystrophy, symptoms may appear from birth, in adolescence or around the age of 45-55, as in the case of Fuchs dystrophy, one of the most common. Damage to the layers of the cornea can lead to blurred vision. If the abnormal deposits are located in the superficial layer, this can also be painful and cause watering, with a sensation of a foreign body. If the damage is in the endothelium, the water bubbles (Fig. 1) may cause irritation or intense pain. Conversely, some people experience no symptoms at all.
 

Treatment

 

In the event of pain, saline drops or ointments can be applied to remove water from the cornea or a lubricant to reduce friction. If the pain is intense due to erosion of the epithelium, soft contact lenses can be used to protect the cornea until the epithelium heals. If these measures are not enough, and depending on the type of dystrophy or if vision deteriorates, a corneal transplant or laser operation may be necessary. If there are no symptoms, no treatment is required. All that is required is to monitor the progression of the disease.

Source : CUSM

Content reviewed and checked on 19.12.2024.

To make this website run properly and to improve your experience, we use cookies. For more detailed information, please check our Cookie Policy.

  • Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.

  • Analytics cookies help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on its usage.

  • We use marketing cookies to help us improve the relevancy of advertising campaigns you receive.