What is the treatment for map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy?

Numerous treatment options are available, and like map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy itself, results are variable and differ from patient to patient. Hypertonic drops or ointment often are the first line of treatment. They may help both irregular astigmatism and recurrent corneal erosion problems.

Does map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy affect vision?

Typically, map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy will flare up occasionally for a few years and then go away on its own, with no lasting loss of vision. Most people never know that they have map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy, since they do not have any pain or vision loss.

What is the cause of map dot fingerprint?

Corneal abnormalities associated with map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy are the result of a faulty basement membrane, which is thickened, multilaminar, and misdirected into the epithelium. Deeper epithelial cells that normally migrate to the surface can become trapped.

What is map dot?

Text Resizer. Anterior Basement Membrane Corneal Dystrophy is the official name for Map Dot Fingerprint Corneal Dystrophy. In this condition, the basement membrane under the corneal epithelium does not function properly. The basement membrane functions as a sticky anchor over which the epithelium grows.

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.

Does corneal dystrophy cause blindness?

While corneal dystrophy can cause vision impairment, it rarely leads to complete blindness. The cornea consists of six layers, and deterioration can start in any of them. This leads to swelling (edema) that interferes with normal vision. Think of it like a smudge on a camera’s lens.

Is PTK the same as PRK?

The key difference between PTK and Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is that PTK eye surgery treats medically necessary conditions, such as corneal dystrophy. Unlike PRK, which is a refractive surgery used to correct refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.