Corneal Dystrophies and Scars

Corneal dystrophies are inherited conditions that affect the clarity of the cornea. They usually affect both eyes and can involve the front, middle or back layers of the cornea. They tend to get worse over time. Corneal scars are opacities that affect the clarity of the cornea and consequently, the vision. Scars can result from corneal infection, trauma, or other reasons. Depending on the severity, location and depth of the opacity, these corneas can be treated with surgical removal with a blade or laser (phototherapeutic keratectomy-PTK) or partial or full thickness corneal transplantation.