Corneal Dystrophy: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What is Corneal Dystrophy?

Corneal dystrophy refers to a collection of eye diseases that affect the cornea, the clear window at the front of the eye. Corneal dystrophy is characterised by changes to the cornea, such as a build-up of material. A build-up in the cornea can affect corneal transparency and in turn how the cornea refracts light, according to Moshirfar M, Bennett P and Ronquillo Y. in the paper Corneal Dystrophy. Corneal dystrophies are often hereditary and progressive, meaning that they worsen over time. Corneal dystrophies are also non-inflammatory, meaning they do not cause inflammation to the cornea.

A close-up of a cornea affected by corneal dystrophy.

What is the Other Term for Corneal Dystrophy?

There is no other term for corneal dystrophy. However, there are different types of corneal dystrophies known by their own names such as Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy.

Is Corneal Dystrophy the Same as Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a type of corneal dystrophy. Keratoconus is an eye condition in which the cornea changes shape into a cone. According to Arne JL and Fournié P in the article Keratoconus, the most common corneal dystrophy. Can keratoplasty be avoided? Keratoconus is the most common form of corneal dystrophy, occurring when the cornea thins, leading to corneal ectasia.

A diagram of a normal cornea, next to a diagram of a cornea with keratoconus

What are the Types of Corneal Dystrophy?

There are many different types of corneal dystrophies, which are defined as a group of genetic diseases that affect corneal transparency and refraction. Certain types of corneal dystrophy include keratoconus, Fuchs’ dystrophy and lattice corneal dystrophy. These types of corneal dystrophy and their definitions are listed below.

Keratoconus: Keratoconus is a type of corneal dystrophy that causes the centre of the cornea to thin and become cone-shaped.
Fuchs’ dystrophy: Fuchs’ dystrophy causes the endothelial cells in the cornea to stop working, leading the cornea to become thicker and swell.
Lattice corneal dystrophy: Lattice dystrophy, or lattice corneal dystrophy, is an inherited disorder that results in progressive vision loss.

1. Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a type of corneal dystrophy that causes the centre of the cornea to thin and become cone-shaped. As the cornea thins, the pressure in the eye causes the cornea to distort which leads to a cone-shaped bulge. Symptoms of keratoconus include blurry vision, double vision, sensitivity to light and halos around light. This eye condition can be treated with prescription glasses, contact lenses, a corneal transplant and corneal cross-linking.

2. Fuchs’ Dystrophy

Fuchs’ dystrophy causes the endothelial cells in the cornea to stop working, leading the cornea to become thicker and swell. According to the National Library of Medicine, the symptoms of Fuchs’ dystrophy include cloudy corneas, blurry vision, glare and haloes in your vision and sensitivity to light. This eye condition may be treated with medications and other therapies including soft contact lenses, or through surgery such as a corneal transplant.

3. Lattice Dystrophy

Lattice dystrophy, or lattice corneal dystrophy, is an inherited disorder, according to an article published in the National Library of Medicine, and is characterised by deposits of amyloid into the cornea leading to vision loss. Symptoms of lattice dystrophy include corneal erosions, dry eyes and irregular astigmatism. This eye condition may be treated with surgery with penetrating keratoplasty being the treatment of choice.

What are the Corneal Dystrophy Risk Factors?

The main risk factor for developing corneal dystrophy is a family history of the disease. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, most corneal dystrophies are genetic, meaning if you have a family member who has the condition, you are more likely to develop the condition.

How Common is Corneal Dystrophy?

Corneal dystrophy can be common depending on which layer of the cornea is affected. In Australia, Fuchs’ dystrophy is the most common form of corneal dystrophy that affects 1 in every 25 individuals in the country, according to the Lions Eye Institute. However, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, other types of corneal dystrophy are generally considered rare.

Is Corneal Dystrophy a Common Corneal Disease?

Yes and no, certain types of corneal dystrophy may be common, such as Fuchs’ dystrophy, which affects the corneal endothelial cells. However, other forms of corneal dystrophy are not considered a common corneal disease. According to the National Eye Institute, the most common forms of corneal disease may be corneal abrasions, inflammation and eye infections.

Is Corneal Dystrophy Common For Kids?

No, corneal dystrophy may not be common for kids. According to the National Organisation for Rare Disorders, the incidence rate for corneal dystrophy is not established due to many individuals presenting as asymptomatic. Therefore, it may be too difficult to accurately confirm how common corneal dystrophy is for kids and other age groups.

What are the Symptoms of Corneal Dystrophy?

The exact symptoms of corneal dystrophy will largely depend upon what type of dystrophy a person has or the severity of the condition. Possible symptoms of corneal dystrophy can include eye pain, light sensitivity (photophobic), tearing eyes, glare, dry eyes, corneal abrasion or erosion, feeling something in the eye and blurry vision. The possible symptoms of corneal dystrophy are listed below.

Eye pain: Eye pain, which may include a shooting, throbbing or aching pain, can be a symptom of corneal dystrophy.
Light sensitivity (Photophobia): Light sensitivity refers to a feeling or discomfort or pain when looking at light, and may be a symptom of corneal dystrophy.
Tearing eyes: Tearing eyes or watery eyes can be a symptom of corneal dystrophy.
Glare: Glare refers to light that disturbs the vision and may be a symptom of corneal dystrophy.
Feeling of something in the eye: The feeling of something in the eye can be a symptom of corneal dystrophy, caused by a build-up of materials in the eye or corneal abrasion.
Blurry vision: Blurry vision is a common symptom of corneal dystrophy, caused by changes to the cornea such as a build-up of materials in the cornea.

1. Eye Pain

Eye pain refers to a feeling of throbbing, aching or shooting pain in the eye and can be a symptom of corneal dystrophy, especially if corneal erosion has occurred. According to the National Organisation for Rare Diseases, corneal erosion can occur as a result of multiple corneal dystrophies. Corneal erosion occurs when the outer layer of the cornea, the epithelium, does not stick to the eye properly, which can lead to eye pain.

2. Light Sensitivity (Photophobia)

Light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, refers to a sensitivity to light that may cause pain or discomfort in the eyes and the head. Light sensitivity (photophobia) may be a symptom of corneal dystrophy, particularly if corneal abrasion or erosion has occurred. According to Digre KB and Brennan KC. in the article, Shedding light on photophobia, any painful stimulus to the cornea, such as corneal abrasion caused by certain corneal dystrophies, can lead to photophobia.

3. Tearing Eyes

Tearing eyes refers to an excess of tears, which can occur as a symptom of multiple corneal dystrophies such as Lattice Corneal Dystrophy and Meesmann Corneal Dystrophy. Tearing eyes or watery eyes can be caused by several factors including dry eyes, which may lead to the eyes producing an excess amount of tears to compensate, or blocked tear ducts. Tearing eyes can also be caused by corneal abrasions, occurring as a result of corneal dystrophies.

4. Glare

Glare refers to light that interferes with a person’s vision and may be a symptom of corneal dystrophy. Glare may occur as a symptom of Fuchs’ dystrophy, as a result of the way this condition affects the cornea and the way it refracts light. Halos around light may also be a symptom of corneal dystrophy, in which a person sees circles of light around a light source.

5. Feeling of Something in the Eye

The feeling of something in the eye can be a symptom of corneal dystrophy, especially if corneal erosion has occurred. The feeling of something in the eye, also known as a foreign body sensation or gritty eyes, refers to the feeling that there is an object in the eyes that is not supposed to be there. The feeling of something in the eye may present as a symptom of corneal dystrophies such as Lattice Corneal Dystrophy, where there is a build-up of material in the cornea or corneal abrasion.

6. Blurry Vision

Blurry vision is a common symptom of multiple corneal dystrophies, caused by the impact this condition has on the cornea and it’s ability to refract light. The cornea is the clear layer at the front of the eye that helps a person see by focusing light onto the retina. If a person has a corneal dystrophy, this means that the cornea is being affected in some way. A build-up of material in the cornea, for example, may limit the transparency of the cornea, which in turn affects how light is reflected and can cause blurry vision.

How is Corneal Dystrophy Diagnosed?

An optometrist typically diagnoses corneal dystrophy during an eye test. During an eye test, an optometrist will examine the structures of the eyes and assess visual acuity. An eye test can involve the use of a slit lamp microscope, which allows an optometrist to assess the structures of the eye including the cornea. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, some corneal dystrophies may be identified through genetic testing.

Which Eye Doctor Diagnoses Corneal Dystrophy?

The eye care professional who typically diagnoses corneal dystrophies is an optometrist. In Australia, an optometrist is not an eye doctor. In Australia, an eye doctor is referred to as an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors with a specialisation in eye care. An optometrist is a primary eye care professional, who is the first point of contact for vision and eye care needs. Optometrists are trained to provide eye tests, write prescriptions and treat eye conditions.

Can an Optometrist Diagnose Corneal Dystrophy?

Yes, an optometrist can diagnose corneal dystrophy. Optometrists are primary eye care providers that are trained to diagnose and treat eye conditions such as corneal dystrophy.

How Dangerous is Corneal Dystrophy?

Corneal dystrophy is not a dangerous eye condition that will lead to serious health complications, however, depending on the type of corneal dystrophy present and the severity, corneal dystrophy may cause reduced vision or pain, according to the National Eye Institute.

Does Corneal Dystrophy Lead to Vision Loss?

Yes, some forms of corneal dystrophy can lead to vision loss. Corneal dystrophies describe a range of eye conditions that cause a build-up of material in the cornea, that can lead to loss of corneal transparency, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. This corneal transparency can affect how the eye sees and refracts light, and can lead to vision loss.

Is Corneal Dystrophy an Autoimmune Disease?

No, corneal dystrophy is not an autoimmune disease. Corneal dystrophy is an eye disease that impacts the cornea, often hereditary.

What are the Treatments for Corneal Dystrophy?

The treatments for corneal dystrophy will be dependent upon what type of corneal dystrophy a person has and the severity of their condition. Treatments for corneal dystrophy may include eye drops, laser treatment and corneal transplant.

Eye drops: Eye drops refer to a type of medication applied to the eyes via a dropper, that may help in the treatment of corneal dystrophy. Lubricating eye drops may be used to help with dry eyes caused by corneal dystrophy.
Laser treatment: Laser treatment, specifically an excimer laser may be used in the treatment of corneal dystrophy. According to Columbia University, excimer lasers remove the outermost layer of the corneal tissue to help limit issues associated with corneal dystrophy.
Corneal Transplant: A corneal transplant may be used to help treat corneal dystrophy if the condition is severe. A corneal transplant refers to removing the cornea tissue and replacing it with tissue from a donor.

How Long Does Corneal Dystrophy Take to Heal?

The length of time it will take for corneal dystrophy to heal or for symptoms to improve will depend on the type of corneal dystrophy a person has and the severity of their condition. If a person has a corneal transplant, it may take 1 to 3 weeks to recover and heal, according to the Centre for Eye Research Australia.

Can Corneal Dystrophy be Fixed Permanently?

Corneal dystrophy may be fixed permanently if treatment like an excimer laser or corneal transplant is undertaken. Other treatment for corneal dystrophy such as eye drops, will not fix the condition permanently, but may help to alleviate symptoms.

Does Corneal Dystrophy Heal Overnight?

No, corneal dystrophies will not heal overnight. Corneal dystrophy is caused by a progressive buildup of material in the cornea or a change to the function or shape of the cornea. This buildup of material can cause changes to corneal transparency and how the cornea refracts light. Treatments for corneal dystrophy can include eye drops, ointments and in severe cases surgery. Depending on the treatment used for corneal dystrophy, it may take several days to several weeks to be effective.

Do Eye Drops Help Treat Corneal Dystrophy?

Eye drops may be able to help treat some types of corneal dystrophy, such as Fuchs’ dystrophy, however most treatments for corneal dystrophy are dependent upon the type, and how severe the condition is. For those with Fuchs’ dystrophy, in which there is a decline or deterioration of the endothelial cells in the cornea, eye drops may be prescribed for treatment. Lubricating eye drops may also be prescribed for those who have corneal erosion, as a result of corneal dystrophy, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Woman applying eye drops to her eye to help treat corneal dystrophy

How Can Oscar Wylee Help with your Corneal Dystrophy?

Oscar Wylee’s dedicated optometrists can help patients with corneal dystrophy by providing eye tests for diagnosing and monitoring the condition, as well as helping with treatment. If you believe you may have corneal dystrophy, visit an Oscar Wylee store near you and our optometrists can help you with your concerns.

How can Glasses Correct Corneal Dystrophy?

Glasses are not typically used to help treat or correct corneal dystrophy, but certain contact lenses may be used to help treat this condition. Glasses are a type of eyewear that help people to see better by correcting vision issues such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. Whilst some people with corneal dystrophy may have glasses to help improve visual acuity, they are not necessarily used as treatment for this condition. According to the National Eye Institute, special contact lenses may be used in the treatment of corneal dystrophy to stop the eyelid from rubbing against the affected cornea.

What are the Ways to Prevent Corneal Dystrophy?

As most corneal dystrophies are often hereditary, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there are no specific ways to prevent corneal dystrophy. However, getting a regular eye test and taking steps to maintain the health of the eyes such as eating a healthy, balanced diet, and getting regular exercise can help with the management of symptoms. The ways to maintain good eye health are listed below.

Regular eye test: Regular eye tests with your optometrist ensure that eye conditions such as corneal dystrophy are detected early on and can be treated promptly to prevent the worsening of symptoms.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet: Eating a balanced, healthy diet including omega-3 fats, leafy greens, fruits and protein can help maintain overall health, including the health of the eyes.
Getting regular exercise: Getting regular exercise can improve overall health, including the health of the eyes.

What is the Difference Between Corneal Dystrophy and Cataracts?

The difference between corneal dystrophy and cataracts is the part of the eye these conditions affect. Corneal dystrophy refers to a group of eye diseases that affect the cornea part of the eye. Cataracts are a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes clouded. Cataracts and certain corneal dystrophies such as Fuchs’ Dystrophy may present similar symptoms such as blurred or cloudy vision.

What is the Difference Between Corneal Dystrophy and Corneal Degeneration?

Although both corneal dystrophy and corneal degeneration are eye conditions that impact the cornea part of the eye, there are some distinct differences between the two conditions, mainly concerning the causes of each. According to Moshirfar M, Bennett P and Ronquillo Y in their paper Corneal Dystrophy corneal degeneration is a broad term for issues that alter the structure of the cornea, caused by a range of factors such as infection, age and trauma. Corneal dystrophy is a more specific term referring to issues with the cornea that are caused by hereditary or genetic factors.

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