What is the treatment for epithelial basement membrane dystrophy?

Treatment options may include sodium chloride eye drops or ointment, wearing an eye patch, and using bandage contact lenses to protect the cornea and facilitate healing. If pain or vision loss cannot be improved with these options, outpatient eye surgery may be recommended.

What causes anterior basement membrane dystrophy?

There are generally two conditions which cause basement membrane dysfunction – one inherited, and one acquired by a deep corneal abrasion (scratch) which damages the basement membrane. This condition is common, treatable, and rarely leads to significant vision loss.

What is anterior basement membrane dystrophy?

Anterior basement membrane dystrophy (ABMD) is a disease affecting the basement membrane of the corneal epithelial cells and is the most common corneal dystrophy. It is commonly bilateral though can be asymmetric.

How common is anterior basement membrane dystrophy?

ABMD is the most common corneal dystrophy, affecting an estimated 2-3% of the population. Patients of all ages and both genders can be affected, although the most common age range at time of presentation is 25 to 75 years of age.

Is epithelial basement membrane dystrophy rare?

Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy is a common form of corneal dystrophy and is also known as map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy and Cogan microcystic dystrophy. This extremely rare form of corneal dystrophy affects the epithelial layer of the cornea.

Can corneal dystrophy be cured?

Corneal dystrophy is an inherited condition, which means prevention is a mystery. The good news is that this condition is treatable.

Can EBMD be cured?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for EBMD. Corneal erosions can recur, making a repeat surgery necessary.

What causes corneal dystrophy in dogs?

In all dogs, corneal dystrophy is caused by a genetic disturbance in how fat is metabolized. The result is a white or gray clouding of the eye. It generally starts in one eye but always affects both. In most breeds, it does not cause discomfort or blindness.

What are the treatment options for anterior basement membrane dystrophy (ADM)?

It should be noted that medical therapy is generally ineffective for management of blurred vision associated with anterior basement membrane dystrophy. Such cases generally will require surgical management with superficial keratectomy (see below), although spectacles (glasses) or contact lenses may help to some degree.

Anterior Basement Membrane Dystrophy. (ABMD; also known as Map-Dot-Fingerprint Corneal Dystrophy, Cogan’s Microcystic Dystrophy, or Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy [EBMD]) is an inherited disorder of the cornea that may present with a variety of symptoms, including recurrent corneal erosions and/or blurred vision.

How are artificial tears used to treat anterior basement membrane dystrophy?

In some cases, artificial tears during the day may help, as well as adjuvant therapies to address any associated lid margin disease (e.g., doxycycline oral therapy). It should be noted that medical therapy is generally ineffective for management of blurred vision associated with anterior basement membrane dystrophy.

How is basement membrane dystrophy performed?

Anterior Basement Membrane Dystrophy: An Overview for Patients. This brief, well tolerated procedure is generally performed in the office at the slit lamp microscope, in which a tiny bent needle is used to make multiple small, evenly spaced micro punctures in the surface of the anesthetized cornea.