Living with Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy
A condition of the clear front surface of the eye that can cause painful, recurring surface scrapes.
Understanding Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy
Eye doctors see a pattern of maps, dots, and fingerprints on the cornea. Some people have no symptoms. Others have repeated painful corneal erosions and changes in vision, usually after age 30. It affects both eyes.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists this as the most common:
- Repeated breakdown of the eye's clear surface (recurrent corneal erosions)
- Eye pain
- Changes in vision
- Sometimes no symptoms
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Consider genetic testing
Changes in TGFBI are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Corneal Dystrophy Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Changes in the TGFBI gene are listed for this condition. It may be inherited in an autosomal dominant way, meaning a change in one copy of the gene can cause it.
Also known as: anterior basement membrane dystrophy; cogan corneal dystrophy; cogan microcystic epithelial dystrophy; corneal dystrophy, anterior basement membrane; corneal dystrophy, cogan type; corneal dystrophy, epithelial basement membrane
Patient organizations
- Corneal Dystrophy FoundationEpithelial basement membrane dystrophy · United States
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