---
title: Pellucid marginal degeneration
description: "Pellucid marginal degeneration is a corneal thinning disorder affecting the inferior periphery, leading to high irregular astigmatism. It typically presents in adulthood. ## Clinical features The central cornea often remains relatively clear and of normal thickness. - Inferior crescent-shaped band…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/conditions-diseases/pellucid-marginal-degeneration/"
updated: "2025-12-16"
category: "Conditions & Diseases"
---

# Pellucid marginal degeneration

Pellucid marginal degeneration is a corneal thinning disorder affecting the inferior periphery, leading to high irregular astigmatism. It typically presents in adulthood.

## Clinical features

The central cornea often remains relatively clear and of normal thickness.

- Inferior crescent-shaped band of thinning with a "kissing dove" topography pattern
- Progressive blur and ghosting from irregular astigmatism
- Often mistaken for keratoconus but with different thinning pattern
- Risk of acute hydrops or perforation is lower than in keratoconus but still possible

## Management

Treatment focuses on improving optical quality and stabilising the cornea.

- Rigid gas permeable, scleral, or hybrid lenses for visual correction
- Corneal cross-linking in selected progressive cases
- Lamellar or full-thickness transplantation when contact lenses fail
- Regular monitoring with topography to track progression