---
title: Corneal dystrophy
description: "Corneal dystrophies are a group of inherited disorders causing progressive accumulation of abnormal material in the cornea. They often affect both eyes and can lead to recurrent pain or visual loss. ## Types and symptoms Dystrophies are classified by which…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/conditions-diseases/corneal-dystrophy/"
updated: "2025-12-16"
category: "Conditions & Diseases"
---

# Corneal dystrophy

Corneal dystrophies are a group of inherited disorders causing progressive accumulation of abnormal material in the cornea. They often affect both eyes and can lead to recurrent pain or visual loss.

## Types and symptoms

Dystrophies are classified by which corneal layer is involved.

- Epithelial dystrophies like map-dot-fingerprint causing recurrent erosions
- Stromal dystrophies such as granular, lattice, or macular with opacity and haze
- Endothelial dystrophies like Fuchs leading to corneal swelling and blur
- Symptoms include glare, halos, or recurrent sharp pain on waking

## Management

Treatment depends on layer and severity.

- Lubricants, hypertonic drops, and bandage lenses for erosions
- Phototherapeutic keratectomy or lamellar keratoplasty for superficial disease
- Endothelial keratoplasty DMEK/DSAEK or penetrating graft in advanced cases
- Genetic counselling and family screening for some subtypes