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What is Other Dystrophies?

The cornea consists of six key layers. From front to back they include the epithelium, Bowman’s layer, the stroma, Dua’s layer, Descemet’s layer and the endothelium. Corneal dystrophies cause physiological changes to these layers which impair the optical performance of the eye. Two of the most common forms of corneal dystrophy aside from the aforementioned Fuchs dystrophy, include epithelial basement membrane dystrophy and lattice dystrophy.

Other Dystrophies Symptoms

What are the Symptoms?

  • Glare
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Photophobia (light sensitivity)
  • Dry eye
  • Blur or reduced vision

What are the Causes?

Corneal dystrophies can be inherited through autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive inheritance patterns. However, in many cases a genetic link cannot be identified. Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (otherwise known as map dot fingerprint or Cogan’s dystrophy) is caused by a compromised basement layer leaving the surface epithelium loose. This can cause uncomfortable erosions to form which require management by a corneal specialist.

Lattice dystrophy is acquired through a dominant inheritance pattern. Amyloid matter is displaced into the middle layer of the cornea resulting in a series of overlapping lines and dots which appear like a lattice.

Causes
Causes

What are the Causes?

Corneal dystrophies can be inherited through autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive inheritance patterns. However, in many cases a genetic link cannot be identified. Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (otherwise known as map dot fingerprint or Cogan’s dystrophy) is caused by a compromised basement layer leaving the surface epithelium loose. This can cause uncomfortable erosions to form which require management by a corneal specialist.

Lattice dystrophy is acquired through a dominant inheritance pattern. Amyloid matter is displaced into the middle layer of the cornea resulting in a series of overlapping lines and dots which appear like a lattice.

Other Dystrophies Diagnosis

What is the Diagnosis?

Corneal erosions arising from epithelial basement membrane dystrophy can be managed with regular daytime eye drops and the application of a viscous gel before sleep. Prophylactic antibiotic cover may also be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection. Lubrication should continue for 3 months to allow the epithelium to heal and bind. In the event of recurrent and challenging epithelial erosions, the surface skin can be debrided using the Scwhind Amaris 1050 RS laser. This procedure resets the epithelial surface and can provide effective long-term relief. Early stage lattice dystrophy can similarly be managed with lubrication. However, more advanced cases may require corneal grafts with our Laser Vision corneal specialists.

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