Living with Pellucid marginal degeneration
A rare eye condition in which the lower edge of the cornea slowly thins, blurring vision.
Understanding Pellucid marginal degeneration
It affects both eyes. The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. A bulge forms above the thinned area, which causes astigmatism (an uneven curve in the eye) and reduced sharp vision. The center of the cornea stays normal in thickness.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms, but the summary describes:
- Slowly thinning cornea
- Astigmatism
- Reduced sharpness of vision
- Bulging area on the cornea
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.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists)
- 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 rare disease patient organizations for support
- 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
GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.
Also known as: pellucid marginal corneal degeneration
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Pellucid marginal degeneration.
Explore research for Pellucid marginal degeneration
Explore actively recruiting Pellucid marginal degeneration studies with HealthSpark.
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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