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Map-Dot-Fingerprint dystrofie

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Dystrophy of the cornea is the result of a developmental corneal disorder. In principle, dystrophy can cause defects in all five layers of the cornea. Map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy is one of the most common corneal frontal dystrophies. Also known as Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy or Cogan’s microcystic dystrophy, it usually occurs in adulthood and can occur in both eyes.

Symptoms

The problem with this dystrophy is that abnormalities develop in the basal membrane of the epithelium (a thin layer of connective tissue on which the epithelium rests), causing a problem in the attachment of the epithelial cells to this membrane. These abnormalities can manifest themselves in the following ways:

Maps: islands of thickened epithelium in a map pattern.
Dots: round-oval or comma-shaped spots of greyish cloudiness.
Fingerprints: parallel curved thin lines, resembling a fingerprint.

If these abnormalities are in the centre, they can also cause blurred and/or variable vision due to irregular refraction of light rays and an irregular tear film. Recurrent erosions may also occur due to the reduced adhesion of the epithelial cells to the basal membrane.

Causes

Age and a known or unknown family history of the dystrophy are probably the most important risk factors for developing the condition. Corneal erosions, certain types of refractive surgery and other forms of eye surgery can lead to aggravation.

Examination

To make a proper diagnosis and draw up a treatment plan, the eye and the cornea are first examined in detail. In addition to the standard examinations, the following ones are specifically important in the case of map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy:

Eye measurement and visual acuity measurement
Split-lamp examination
Corneal tomography

Treatment

When choosing a treatment for map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy, the nature of the symptoms is used as a starting point.

Eye ointment and eye drops

To protect the cornea as best as possible, eye ointments and eye drops are often prescribed for recurrent erosions. You can use eye drops during the day to keep your eyes well moisturised. At night, you use the ointment to prevent the symptoms from recurring when you open your eyes in the morning.

Bandage lenses

A bandage lens is a lens that is used to protect the eye. The lens is not for correcting vision. It is like a transparent bandage made of special material for the eye. The lens stays in your eye day and night, unless otherwise advised. The duration of the treatment varies according to the situation and the type of bandage lens.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment may be considered if the symptoms persist despite treatment with ointment, eye drops and bandage lenses. Depending on your situation, abrasion or a phototherapeutic keratectomy may then be performed.

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