Corneal dystrophy causes clouding of the cornea, leading to vision problems. Fuchs’ dystrophy is a common cause. Treatment involves a cornea transplant, with early stages managed by eye drops. The condition can also affect dogs.
Corneal dystrophy is a condition that causes the cornea, the clear lens that covers the eye, to cloud, resulting in darkened vision. A number of ophthalmological conditions can cause corneal dystrophy, with one of the most common examples 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 essential for vision. This thin lens has five layers: the superficial epithelium, Bowman’s layer, stroma, Descemet’s layer, and the endothelium. In someone with corneal dystrophy, damage occurs to one or more of these layers, causing them to thicken and become cloudy. As the damage progresses, the patient begins 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 may reveal clouding, spots, or lines in the damaged areas. Usually people experience glare and sensitivity to light in the early stages of corneal dystrophy, with problems being particularly pronounced in the morning, and over time they develop more serious vision problems. They may also experience eye pain and irritation, caused by dead skin cells not being flushed from the cornea as they normally would.
In some cases, the cornea can actually ulcerate, which can contribute to the development of an infection. Corneal dystrophy usually appears in both eyes, although the severity can vary between eyes. Most people end up seeking treatment for this condition because the decline in vision quality becomes too frustrating or too dangerous.
The early stages of corneal dystrophy can be managed with eye drops and medications designed to slow corneal degeneration and keep the patient comfortable. Eventually, however, a cornea transplant will usually be necessary. To receive a transplant, the patient must be placed on the list of people in need of placements, which is best done as soon as possible. In addition, he may need to meet certain requirements of a transplant review board to confirm that a 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 appropriate treatment for a dog with corneal dystrophy; surgery is usually not needed to treat this condition in dogs.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
