lattice dystrophy

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Etiology

accumulation of amyloid deposits throughout the middle & anterior stroma
amyloid can accumulate under the corneal epithelium
erosion of the epithelium (recurrent epithelial erosion)
- alteration of the cornea's normal curvature, resulting in temporary vision problems
- expose the nerves that line the cornea, causing severe pain
- by about age 40, some patients will have scarring under the epithelium, resulting in a haze on the cornea that can greatly obscure vision

funduscopy:
- deposits in the stroma as clear, comma-shaped overlapping dots & branching filaments, creating a lattice effect
- over time, the lattice lines will grow opaque & involve more of the stroma
clouding of the cornea may reduce vision
blinking can be painful

eye drops & ointments to reduce the friction on the eroded cornea & to reduce eye pain
eye patch may be used to immobilize the eyelids
erosions usually heal within 3 days, although occasional sensations of pain may occur for the next 6-8 weeks
corneal transplantation
- disease may also arise in the donor cornea within 3 years after transplantation
- 50% recurrence within 2-26 years
- of these, 15% required a second corneal transplantation
- early lattice and recurrent lattice arising in the donor cornea responds well to treatment with the excimer laser