We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Corneal Dystrophy?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,802
Share

Corneal dystrophy is a condition which causes the cornea, the clear lens which covers the eye, to cloud, causing obscured vision. A number of ophthalmological conditions can cause corneal dystrophy, with one of the most common example being Fuchs' Dystrophy, an inherited disease of the cornea. The best treatment for corneal dystrophy is usually a cornea transplant, in which the damaged cornea is replaced with a donor cornea from a cadaver.

The cornea is critical to vision. This thin lens has five layers: the surface epithelium, Bowman's layer, stroma, Descemet's layer, and endothelium. In someone with corneal dystrophy, damage occurs to one or more of these layers, causing it to thicken and cloud. As the damage progresses, the patient starts to experience a variety of vision problems, which can include sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and eventual blindness.

This condition usually has a slow onset. Close examination of the cornea can reveal clouding, spots, or lines in the damaged areas. Usually people experience glare and sensitivity to light in the earliest stages of corneal dystrophy, with problems being especially pronounced in the morning, and over time they develop more severe vision problems. They can also experience soreness and irritation of the eye, caused by dead cells which are not being flushed from the cornea as they normally would be.

In some cases, the cornea can actually ulcerate, which can contribute to the development of an infection. Corneal dystrophy generally appears in both eyes, although the severity can vary between the eyes. Most people end up seeking treatment for this condition, because the decline in vision quality becomes too frustrating or too dangerous.

Early stages of corneal dystrophy can be managed with eyedrops and medications which are designed to slow the degeneration of the cornea and keep the patient comfortable. Eventually, however, a corneal transplant will usually be required. In order to receive a transplant, the patient must be placed on the list of people needing placements, something which is best done as early as possible. In addition, he or she may have to satisfy certain requirements mandated by a transplant review committee to confirm that the transplant is necessary and appropriate.

In addition to occurring in humans, this condition is also common in dogs, with some breeds being more prone to developing it than others. A veterinarian can provide an appropriate course of treatment for a dog afflicted with corneal dystrophy; surgery is usually not necessary to treat this condition in dogs.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By muscianwife — On Jul 29, 2011

@rlp17 - I'm not totally clear about the difference, but I do know that if people who have Fuchs corneal dystrophy have cataract surgery, it can make them have to have a cornea transplant faster.

I think it might be a difference of which layer of the cornea is affected. Like maybe cataracts are only clouding of the outer layer but corneal dystrophies affect one or more deeper layers. It is definitely something to look in to.

By rlp17 — On Jul 28, 2011

I thought that this was what cataracts were. What is the difference, then between cataracts and corneal dystrophies?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-corneal-dystrophy.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.