Dystrophy of the cornea are hereditary diseases that are not inflammatory in nature, in which the transparency of the cornea of the eye decreases. There are various forms of dystrophy, which depend on the speed of vision loss, the nature of tissue damage, and the degree of damage to the visual function.
At the end of the 20th century, with the development of genetics, scientists were able to determine which genes or chromosomes are responsible for some form of corneal dystrophy.
In more rare cases, corneal dystrophy can occur under the influence of chemicals, due to eye injuries or after suffering from infectious diseases and inflammatory processes.
The nature of eye dystrophy can also be of an autoimmune nature, which does not contradict the notion that the nature of corneal dystrophy is hereditary.
Classification of corneal dystrophy
Depending on where the dystrophic changes occurred, the disease is divided into three groups:
- Endothelial dystrophy of the cornea - this includes the degeneration of the juvenile epithelial Mesman, the degeneration of the basement membrane of the epithelium, a characteristic feature of which is the failure of the barrier functions of the cells of the posterior epithelium.
- Epithelial endothelial dystrophy of the cornea - this includes Fuchs' dystrophy, hereditary endothelial dystrophy, posterior polymorphic dystrophy.
- Lentovidna degeneration of the cornea - superficial opacity of the eyes, which have a significant impairment of visual function.
Symptoms of corneal dystrophy
Since the disease is predominantly hereditary, it manifests itself at a fairly early age - about 10 years, but in the absence of disease at this age and in the presence of certain genes, it can manifest at any time up to 40 years.
Symptoms of corneal dystrophy are the same for all of its types:
- sensation of foreign body in the eyes, pain with blinking and strain of vision; this is due to the defeat of the cornea;
- photophobia;
- lacrimation;
- redness of the eyes;
- decreased vision due to corneal edema and a violation of its transparency.
Treatment of corneal dystrophy
If the dystrophy of the eye is caused by genetic causes, then the treatment is symptomatic. It is impossible to change the hereditary data, and therefore the main goal is to protect the cornea, relieve inflammation, reduce irritation and discomfort of the patient.
For this, local therapy is used in the form of drops and ointments for the eyes. Vitamin complexes for the eyes that improve trophism of tissues are also successfully used:
- Emoxipine;
- Taufon ;
- Solcoseryl.
In addition to these drugs, doctors prescribe vitamins for the eyes of the Lutein Complex for ingestion.
Together with this, physiotherapy procedures are beneficial.
Conservative treatment does not provide 100% recovery. This can be achieved through a through transplantation of the cornea.