Management of symptomatic Meesmann dystrophy

Optom Vis Sci. 2009 Oct;86(10):E1202-6. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0b013e3181baad27.

Abstract

Meesmann dystrophy is a non-progressive autosomal dominant corneal epithelial dystrophy characterized by intraepithelial cysts, which is likely to be caused by an intraepithelial metabolic abnormality. Cases may be asymptomatic or be associated with symptoms of irritation, lacrimation, and photophobia. Palliative treatment includes ocular lubricants, cycloplegia, and therapeutic contact lenses. In severe cases, management with epithelial debridement, phototherapeutic keratectomy, and lamellar keratoplasty has been advocated. Most recently, the genetic and molecular basis of Meesmann dystrophy have been explored, and mutations in the genes encoding corneal epithelial keratins have been reported. This report describes a case of Meesmann dystrophy with unusually severe symptoms and punctate epithelial keratopathy managed with a therapeutic contact lens.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Contact Lenses*
  • Corneal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Corneal Diseases / etiology
  • Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / complications
  • Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / diagnosis*
  • Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / physiopathology
  • Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / therapy*
  • Cysts / diagnosis
  • Cysts / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Genes, Dominant
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Staining and Labeling
  • Visual Acuity