Patient Education

What is a corneal dystrophy?

Corneal dystrophies are inherited, bilateral, non-inflammatory diseases. There are several types of corneal dystrophy. Some corneal dystrophies, such anterior basement membrane dystrophy, affect the front surface of the cornea. Dystrophies that affect the front layer of the cornea can cause painful episodes, decreased vision or both. Some dystrophies affect the body of the cornea, such as granular or macular lattice dystrophy. These dystrophies can also cause decreased vision, painful episodes or both. Dystrophies that affect the back surface of the cornea, such as Fuchs' dystrophy, can lead to corneal edema (see below). Treatment options include eye drops, eye ointments and surgery. Surgical options include removing the surface layer of the cornea with a diamond burr or excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy and also corneal transplantation.