Living with Lisch epithelial corneal dystrophy
A very rare inherited eye condition with feather-shaped clouding in the cornea's surface layer, beginning in childhood.
Understanding Lisch epithelial corneal dystrophy
The cornea shows feather-shaped cloudy areas and tiny cysts in a band-shaped, sometimes whorled, pattern. Vision is occasionally affected. It begins in childhood.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a separate symptom list. Its summary describes these features:
- Feather-shaped cloudy areas in the cornea
- Tiny cysts in the cornea's surface layer
- Reduced vision (occasionally)
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 MCOLN1 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
It is linked to the MCOLN1 gene and is inherited in an X-linked way.
Also known as: band-shaped and whorled microcystic; band-shaped and whorled microcystic corneal epithelial dystrophy; band-shaped and whorled microcystic dystrophy of corneal epithelium; band-shaped and whorled microcystic dystrophy of the corneal epithelium; corneal dystrophy, lisch epithelial, x-linked dominant; lecd
Patient organizations
- Corneal Dystrophy FoundationLisch epithelial corneal dystrophy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Lisch epithelial corneal dystrophy.
Explore research for Lisch epithelial corneal dystrophy
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