CORNEAL DYSTROPHIES
- Corneal dystrophies are inherited as autosomal dominant and manifest when the person is about 20 years of age.
- They are characterized by deposits in the corneal layers.
- Deposits in the corneal layers
- Irregular corneal surface and corneal deposits
- Decreased vision
- Corneal endothelial decompensation
- Corneal edema and blurring of vision
- Persistent edema
- Bullous keratopathy (formation of blisters that cause pain and discomfort on rupturing)
- This condition is usually associated with primary open angle glaucoma.
- A bandage contact lens is used to flatten the bullae, protect the exposed corneal nerve endings, and relieve discomfort.
- Symptomatic treatments-
- Hypertonic drops or ointment (5% sodium chloride)- may reduce epithelial edema; lowering the IOP also reduces stromal edema.
- Penetrating keratoplasty has a high success rate
- For diffuse bullous keratopathy- amniotic membrane transplantation for patients with limited visual þotential
Keratoconus
- Keratoconus is a condition characterized by a conical protuberance of the cornea with progressive thinning on protrusion and irregular astigmatism.
- The hereditary condition-a higher incidence among women.
- Onset occurs at puberty; the condition may progress for more than 20 years and is bilateral.
- Corneal scarring occurs in severe cases.
- Blurred vision is a prominent symptom.
- Rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses correct irregular astigmatism and improve vision.
- Penetrating keratoplasty- indicated when contact lens correction is no longer effective.
COMMENTS