An Overview of Epithelial and Stromal Corneal Dystrophies

Abstract

Principally, corneal dystrophies are a set of conditions that impact corneal transparency and distorts corneal structure. They are commonly bilateral, progressive, and differs from corneal degeneration as they are often inherited through autosomal dominant or recessive modes as well as x-linked modes. Several genes have been implicated in corneal dystrophies and will be elaborated on in the description of dystrophies in this article. Management of corneal dystrophies depend on severity of symptoms and require specialist input. Mildly symptomatic dystrophies do not warrant management. However, in those with progressive disease and/or poor vision, surgical options may be of use. Techniques commonly involved in the management of dystrophies include deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty, penetrating keratoplasty, or the area of disease is ablated using a photo-therapeutic keratectomy.