Read more about this disease, some with Classification – Types – Signs and symptoms – Genetics – Pathophysiology – Diagnosis – Screening – Prevention – Treatment and management – Cures and much more, some including pictures and video when available.
Corneal dystrophy is a group of disorders, characterised by a noninflammatory, inherited, bilateral opacity of the transparent front part of the eye called the cornea. It is commonly seen in humans as well as dogs. It is rare in cats.
Corneal dystrophy may not significantly affect vision in the early stages. However, it does not require proper evaluation and treatment for restoration of optimal vision. It can, however, rarely cause corneal ulceration, especially with epithelial dystrophy. It appears as grayish white lines, circles, or clouding of the cornea. Corneal dystrophy can also have a crystalline appearance.
A corneal dystrophy can be caused by an accumulation of extraneous material in the cornea – it can be in the form of lipids or cholesterol crystals.
Corneal dystrophies are commonly subdivided depending on its specific location within the cornea. It can be basically divided into anterior, stromal, or posterior according to the layer of the cornea affected by the dystrophy. [1] [2]
Suboptimal vision caused by corneal dystrophy usually requires surgical intervention in the form of corneal transplantation. Penetrating keratoplasty is commonly performed for extensive corneal dystrophy. Corneal dystrophy in dogs usually does not cause any problems and treatment is not required.[1]
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