Corneal dystrophies

What is it?

Corneal dystrophies are a group of genetic, often progressive eye disorders. 

Anterior corneal dystrophies

  • Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy
  • Meesmann Corneal Dystrophy
  • Lisch Corneal Dystrophy
  • Reis-Buckler Corneal Dystrophy
  • Thiel-Behnke Corneal Dystrophy

Stromal corneal dystrophies

  • Granular Corneal Dystrophy Types I and II
  • Lattice Corneal Dystrophy
  • Gelatinous droplike corneal dystrophy
  • Macular Corneal Dystrophy
  • Schnyder Crystalline Corneal Dystrophy

Posterior corneal dystrophies

  • Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy
  • Posterior Polymorphous Dystrophy
  • Congenital Hereditary Corneal Dystrophy

Which are the symptoms?

Corneal dystrophies are characterized by the accumulation of foreign material and alterations in one or more of the corneal layers. They are associated with progressive visual loss. In endothelial cell dystrophies such as Fuchs' dystrophy, patients are affected by blurry vision in the morning which gradually clears up during the day.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is performed using slit-lamp examination and requires acquisition of a detailed patient and family history. Some specific corneal dystrophies can be diagnosed with molecular genetic tests and histopathology in surgical cases (for example after corneal transplantation)

How is it treated?

The treatment of corneal dystrophies varies greatly. Individuals may be asymptomatic or only have mild symptoms that may not require treatment. Specific treatments for corneal dystrophies may include eye drops, ointments, laser surgery (PTK) and corneal transplantation in severe cases.

Suggested procedures

Where do we treat it?

Within the San Donato Group, you can find Corneal dystrophies specialists at these departments:

Are you interested in receiving the treatment?

Contact us and we will take care of you.