Cornea question

[LAA50]

The vision in my left eye was very blurry whn looking in the distance and after several incorrect diagnosisis (dry eyes, trace cataract) I was sent to a cornea specialist.  I was then diagnosed with Map Dot Dystrophy or Anterior Membrane Dystrosphy (and I believe there are quite a few other names).  It was suggested I go to the optometrist in the practice for soft contact fitting.  It was suggested by the opthamalogist that I try soft contacts because I'd never worn contacts or glasses before.  I was able to see the optician in the practice and after several attempts to fit me with soft contacts she was unable to.  Try as we might I could not see the eye chart clearly no matter how many adjustments were made.  So, a hard contact (gas permeable) was placed in my eye and she was able to get  my vision to 20/25.  Why wouldn't the soft contact work?  The hard contact was a lot more uncomfortable in my eye.  I'm going to try wearing it to help clear my vision (it will be in next week).  But don't understand why glasses or soft contacts won't help.  Something about the cornea being unstable or fluctuating.  Can you explain to me more clearly?  Thanks!  AND is this a permanent condition or will it ever go away or how bad could my vision deteriorate?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

sorry - meant irregular epithelium

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

The hard contact lens actually floats over the corneal on a layer of tears.  It is the tear film in between the cornea and contact that actually fills in the tiny hills and valleys on the conrea to give the sharpest possible vision.  There is one possibility that wasn't mentioned.  Sometimes a superficial keratectomy can be performed (basically scrape off the irregular epithelial and allow it to heal in - hopefully more smooth and regular and clear.  You should discuss this possibility sometime with the corneal specialist.  Your condition is basically lifelong but usually not a major problem.  More susceptible to corneal scratches and dryness and sometimes corneal irregularity and slightly blurred vision.  Not generally a dangerous or bad condition.

Michael Kutryb, MD