epithelial disease

Corneal Dystrophy, Recurrent Epithelial Erosions

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Individuals have the onset of recurrent corneal erosions as a result of as yet unknown disease processes.  Onset is in the first decade of life (even in the first year of life)  often with some subepithelial haze or blebs while denser centrally located opacities develop with time.  Erosions often are precipitated by relatively minor trauma and are often difficult to treat, lasting for up to a week.  Fortunately, the erosions become less frequent as patients age and may cease altogether by the fifth decade of life.

Systemic Features: 

No systemic disease is associated with ERED.

Genetics

The few reported families have all had an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance.  So far no locus or molecular defect has been identified.

The clinical features of this condition are found in other corneal dystrophies and it is likely that at least some of the reported cases may have had other unrecognized corneal conditions.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal dominant
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

The usual corneal erosion treatment of hypertonic solutions, bandage patching, and lubricating ointments may be helpful for acute erosions.  No long term preventative treatment has been found effective.  Corneal transplants remain clear centrally although peripheral opacities may reappear within a few years.

References
Article Title: 

Franceschetti Hereditary Recurrent Corneal Erosion

Lisch W, Bron AJ, Munier FL, Schorderet DF, Tiab L, Lange C, Saikia P, Reinhard T, Weiss JS, Gundlach E, Pleyer U, Lisch C, Auw-Haedrich C. Franceschetti Hereditary Recurrent Corneal Erosion. Am J Ophthalmol. 2012 Mar 7. [Epub ahead of print].

PubMed ID: 
22402249
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