What is the Difference Between Corneal Dystrophy and Degeneration?

The main difference between corneal dystrophy and degeneration lies in their causes, symptoms, and the presence of blood vessels in the cornea. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

• Causes: Corneal dystrophy is a genetic disorder, either inherited or through de novo mutation, characterized by the accumulation of crystalline deposits in the cornea. Corneal degeneration, on the other hand, is a broad term for afflictions that cause alterations to the corneal structure, such as trauma, infection, increasing age, and other environmental factors.
• Symptoms: Corneal dystrophy is a non-painful condition, with the only symptom being white crystalline deposits in one or both corneas. Corneal degeneration can cause symptoms such as squinting, redness, and excessive discharge from the affected eye.
• Presence of Blood Vessels: A clear distinction between corneal dystrophy and degeneration relates to the presence of blood vessels in the cornea. Blood vessels only occur with corneal degeneration and are a sign that the cornea is irritated.

In summary, corneal dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of crystalline deposits in the cornea, while corneal degeneration is a change or gradual deterioration in the tissue of the cornea due to various factors, such as diseases or aging. Corneal dystrophy tends to run in families, whereas corneal degeneration does not have a hereditary component.

Comparative Table: Corneal Dystrophy vs Degeneration

The key difference between corneal dystrophy and degeneration lies in their causes and manifestations. Corneal dystrophy is a genetic condition that leads to the accumulation of crystalline deposits in the cornea, while corneal degeneration is a change or gradual deterioration in the tissue of the cornea due to various factors such as aging, diseases, or trauma. Here is a table summarizing the differences between corneal dystrophy and degeneration:

Both corneal dystrophy and degeneration can affect one or both eyes and may involve superficial, middle, or deep structures in the corneal tissue, or all three. The diagnosis of corneal dystrophy or degeneration is typically made during a slit lamp examination, and further testing may include blood work panels and thyroid testing.