Corneal dystrophy
The content of the article:
- Causes and risk factors
- Forms of the disease
- Symptoms
- Diagnostics
- Treatment
- Possible complications and consequences
- Forecast
- Prevention
Corneal dystrophy (keratopathy) is a general definition of a group of diseases characterized by changes in the structure of the cornea, which is accompanied by a progressive decrease in visual acuity. The disease often appears between 10 and 40 years of age.
Corneal dystrophy symptoms
Causes and risk factors
Pathology is often hereditary. In addition, the causes of corneal dystrophy can be:
- autoimmune diseases;
- eye injury;
- surgical interventions;
- biochemical and (or) neurotrophic changes;
- metabolic disorders;
- inflammatory processes.
In some cases, the cause of the disease cannot be established.
Forms of the disease
According to the origin of corneal dystrophy, they are classified as follows:
- Congenital (primary) - have a family and hereditary character. Pathology manifests itself mainly in childhood and affects both eyes.
- Acquired (secondary) - due to pathological processes in the tissues of the eye or the body as a whole. For example, the disease can develop in old or old age against the background of hyperlipoproteinemia.
Each form of primary corneal dystrophy is caused by damage to a particular gene.
Depending on the localization of the lesion in the structure of the cornea, the following are distinguished:
- endothelial dystrophies;
- epithelial dystrophies;
- stromal dystrophies;
- dystrophy of Bowman's membrane.
Symptoms
Regardless of the form of the disease, corneal dystrophy is manifested by the following general symptoms:
- lacrimation;
- photophobia;
- sensation of a foreign body in the eye;
- pain;
- redness of the mucous membrane of the eye;
- opacity and swelling of the cornea;
- deterioration of vision in the morning with its gradual normalization throughout the day;
- gradual decrease in visual acuity.
Lachrymation is one of the symptoms of corneal dystrophy
A concomitant symptom in corneal dystrophy may be the occurrence of multiple erosions, accompanied by severe pain. Contact with the erosion surface of pathogenic microorganisms can lead to inflammation of the cornea.
Diagnostics
To identify pathology, the following measures are carried out:
- collection of anamnesis;
- objective examination of the cornea with a slit lamp;
- microscopic examination (biomicroscopy) of the cornea;
- laboratory examination of corneal infiltration.
Detailed microscopic examination of the eye allows diagnosing corneal dystrophy
To determine the form of corneal dystrophy, genetic analysis is performed. If the primary form of the disease is detected, a preventive examination of all family members is recommended.
Treatment
Treatment for corneal dystrophy depends on the form and stage of the disease.
At the initial stages, physiotherapeutic methods of treatment are effective (electrophoresis, laser stimulation of the cornea). In the later stages, physiotherapy provides only short-term remission.
With primary corneal dystrophy, symptomatic therapy is indicated. Patients are prescribed vitamin complexes and drugs that improve the trophism of the cornea (keratoprotectors). It is recommended to wear soft contact lenses to relieve pain and foreign body sensation in the eye. In addition, it contributes to the restoration of the corneal epithelium during erosion. When joining an infectious process, antibacterial drugs are used.
In the later stages of corneal dystrophy, laser eye surgery is recommended
In case of significant damage to the cornea, surgical treatment is indicated. If the epithelial layer is damaged, laser surgery is performed. When deeper layers are involved in the pathological process, the method of layer-by-layer or through keratoplasty is used. When necrotic areas of the cornea are removed, they are replaced with donor tissue.
In case of recurrence of the disease, a second course of treatment may be required, including re-keratoplasty.
Possible complications and consequences
Lack of the necessary treatment can lead to complete loss of vision and related disability.
Forecast
The prognosis of the disease with timely diagnosis and adequate therapy is usually favorable, the ability to work remains.
Prevention
There are no specific measures to prevent corneal dystrophy. Non-specific preventive measures include:
- timely seeking medical help for ophthalmic pathologies;
- balanced diet;
- good sleep, adequate rest;
- prevention of trauma to the cornea of the eye in persons with heredity burdened by this disease.
Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of corneal dystrophy are recommended to undergo a routine examination by an ophthalmologist twice a year.
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Anna Aksenova Medical journalist About the author
Education: 2004-2007 "First Kiev Medical College" specialty "Laboratory Diagnostics".
The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
