eMedicine Specialties > Ophthalmology > Cornea

Dystrophy, Map-dot-fingerprint: Follow-up

Author: David Verdier, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: May 26, 2009

Follow-up

Deterrence/Prevention

  • Lubricating hypertonic saline or bland ointment at bedtime is often helpful to prevent recurrent erosions.

Complications

  • Recurrent erosions predispose the cornea to infection.

Prognosis

  • Map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy findings may fluctuate but tend not to progress over time. Most patients are able to maintain sufficient vision and comfort for reading, driving, and other visual tasks, except during episodes of corneal erosions.

Miscellaneous

Special Concerns

  • While patients with map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy may be bothered by painful recurrent erosion episodes and/or decreased vision, they typically are most frustrated by the unpredictability of the condition. For example, patients may have an episode of pain and poor vision the day of their wedding or of an important presentation after being asymptomatic for weeks or months. Physicians need to understand this important concern.
  • Map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy is a relative contraindication for refractive procedures, such as LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) or LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis). Trauma from the microkeratome sliding over the epithelial surface or from flap manipulation is more likely to occur in patients with map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy because of the poorly adherent epithelium. Epithelial sloughing can lead to epithelial ingrowth and stromal melts. Surface ablation (photorefractive keratectomy [PRK]) may be a better refractive procedure option for these patients.
 


More on Dystrophy, Map-dot-fingerprint

Overview: Dystrophy, Map-dot-fingerprint
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Dystrophy, Map-dot-fingerprint
Treatment & Medication: Dystrophy, Map-dot-fingerprint
Follow-up: Dystrophy, Map-dot-fingerprint
Multimedia: Dystrophy, Map-dot-fingerprint
References
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References

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Further Reading

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Keywords

map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy, corneal map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy, Cogan’s dystrophy, Cogan's microcystic dystrophy, anterior basement membrane dystrophy, epithelial basement membrane dystrophy, corneal dystrophy, corneal dystrophies, corneal degeneration, corneal erosion

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

David Verdier, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
David Verdier, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, Cornea Society, Eye Bank Association of America, Michigan Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons, and Michigan State Medical Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Fernando H Murillo-Lopez, MD, Senior Surgeon, Unidad Privada de Oftalmologia CEMES
Fernando H Murillo-Lopez, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Managing Editor

Christopher J Rapuano, MD, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University; Co-Chairman of the Cornea Service, Co-Chairman of Refractive Surgery Department, Wills Eye Institute
Christopher J Rapuano, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Cornea Society, Eye Bank Association of America, International Society of Refractive Surgery, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Allergan Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Allergan Consulting fee Consulting; Alcon Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Inspire Honoraria Speaking and teaching; RPS Ownership interest Other; Vistakon Honoraria Speaking and teaching

CME Editor

Lance L Brown, OD, MD, Ophthalmologist, Affiliated With Freeman Hospital and St John's Hospital, Regional Eye Center, Joplin, Missouri
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Hampton Roy Sr, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Hampton Roy Sr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
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