Meesmann Corneal Dystrophy

What is Meesmann corneal dystrophy?

Meesmann corneal dystrophy is a rare, inherited form of corneal dystrophy which does not usually cause blindness. It is a type of superficial corneal dystrophy, which means it affects the outer layer of the cornea (the clear surface on the front of the eye).

It is also known as Meesmann dystrophy or Meesman epithelial corneal dystrophy. 

Corneal dystrophy is a group of rare inherited eye conditions that affect the cornea – the clear front surface of the eye. Corneal dystrophies cause changes to the cornea without any inflammation or other infections.

What causes Meesmann corneal dystrophy?

Meesmann corneal dystrophy is caused by genetic faults either in the gene K3 or the gene K12. These genes produce a protein called keratin, which helps make up the structure of the outer layer of the cornea (called the epithelium).

People with Meesmann corneal dystrophy have small cysts (sacs that contain fluid) in the outer layer of the cornea. The cysts can appear in children as young as one, but symptoms don’t usually begin until the teens or early adulthood. Symptoms happen when the cysts rupture (burst).

Meesmann corneal dystrophy is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means you only need to inherit one copy of the faulty gene from either of your parents to develop the disease. So if one parent has the condition, their children have a 50% (one in two) chance of having it too.

What are the signs and symptoms of Meesmann corneal dystrophy?

Symptoms of Meesmann dystrophy include eye irritation or feeling as though there is something in the eye, and having watery eyes. You may be more sensitive to light and have blurred vision from time to time, and some people are not able to tolerate wearing contact lenses.

Meesmann dystrophy usually affects both eyes.

Is Meesmann corneal dystrophy serious?

Meesmann corneal dystrophy doesn't always cause symptoms. In some cases it can cause pain or discomfort and can affect eyesight.

How is Meesmann dystrophy diagnosed?

Corneal dystrophies are usually diagnosed using a slit light microscope to shine a thin, bright light into the eye, enabling the ophthalmologist to study the front part of the eye. They may also ask about family history and may recommend genetic testing to identify the gene responsible for the condition.

What are the treatments for Meesmann dystrophy?

Meesmann corneal dystrophy does not always need treatment other than lubricating eye drops or ointments. Special contact lenses may help people with stronger symptoms. 

What research is there into Meesmann corneal dystrophy?

We've been funding research into Meesmann and other corneal dystrophies. This research is aimed at understanding exactly what effect the genetic faults have and on developing gene therapies to correct them.