Thumbprint Eye Disease

Thumbprint eye disease (Cogan's syndrome or map-dot-print fingerprint dystrophy) is a disorder that targets the eyes and is called corneal dystrophy. It affects the epithelial layer of the cornea in both eyes and makes the eye appear as though there is a thumbprint on the cornea. The cell detaches and the Bowman's membrane can tear away from the eye, causing red eye and blurred vision. The Bowman's membrane is a thin layer of tissue that covers the surface of the eye.

Causes

• Thumbprint eye disease is not always genetic and most often occurs beyond the age of 40. Dystrophy implies genetic tendencies, but this is not the case with Cogan's. The disease usually worsens with age. The cornea has five layers and Cogan's affect the cornea layer that is named the epithelium. This layer becomes thickened and uneven. The bond becomes weak and causes corneal erosion.

Symptoms

• Some of the symptoms of thumbprint eye disease are an increased sensitivity to light, glare, blurred vision, fluctuating vision and uneven corneal surface. Irritation and pain can be gauged from mild to extreme with symptoms that present themselves in the morning. Often eyes are red and feel as though they have been scratched or as though something is in the eye. Ointments or other solutions may be prescribed to help alleviate those symptoms.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of thumbprint eye disease is arrived at by examining the corneal layers with a slit lamp microscope, which has a light attached to it that allows the doctor to examine the eye under a high magnification. The lamp is used to view the anterior of the eye such as the iris, cornea and lens. The vitreous and the back of the eye can be examined with the slit lamp microscope. A corneal topography may be needed to monitor the astigmatism. This technology provides detailed information about the curvature of the cornea and can produce images of the eye on a computer screen.

Eye Lubricant

• The treatment for thumbprint eye disease will depend on the gravity of the dystrophy. Lubricating the cornea with artificial tears so that the corneal surface remains even is one of the most crucial treatments and helps the eye to be less irritated. Nighttime lubricants are encouraged so that the eyes feel refreshed in the morning.

Laser Surgery

• Laser treatment may be an option for some patients with thumbprint eye disease. In this treatment, the surgeon removes the epithelium and creates an even surface. The epithelium layer regenerates within the first few weeks of treatment and forms a connection with the original layer.