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Living with Posterior amorphous corneal dystrophy

A very rare eye condition with cloudy sheet-like patches in the back of the cornea and mildly reduced vision, starting in infancy.

Understanding Posterior amorphous corneal dystrophy

Posterior amorphous corneal dystrophy (PACD) is a very rare condition that affects the cornea, the clear front window of the eye.

Irregular, sheet-like cloudy areas form in the back layers of the cornea. Vision is mildly reduced. It can begin at birth or in infancy.

Signs & symptoms

GARD lists these among the less common symptoms:

  • Cloudy, sheet-like patches in the back of the cornea
  • Mildly reduced vision
  • Farsightedness
  • Off-center pupil

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask 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); 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How will my vision be monitored over time?
Would genetic testing help our family?
Do I need glasses or other vision care?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD says changes in genes cause this condition but doesn't name a gene. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene is enough.

Genetic

Also known as: pacd; posterior amorphous stromal dystrophy

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Posterior amorphous corneal dystrophyGARD ID 16880 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Posterior amorphous corneal dystrophy.

Explore the Posterior amorphous corneal dystrophy blog

Explore research for Posterior amorphous corneal dystrophy

Explore actively recruiting Posterior amorphous corneal dystrophy studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Posterior amorphous corneal dystrophy with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • 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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