Lattice Corneal Dystrophy: Patient Information Guide

The first sign is often gradually worsening blurry or hazy vision, like looking through frosted glass. These changes usually start when you’re young, but sometimes don’t appear until adulthood. Light sensitivity, glare, and trouble seeing at night are also common early symptoms.

A major concern for many patients is sudden, repeated pain caused by tiny breaks in the cornea’s surface, known as corneal erosions. You might feel sharp pain when waking up, a gritty sensation, or find your eyes are watery, red, or very sensitive to light. These episodes can take hours or days to heal and may return again and again.

• Pain or burning, especially in the morning
• Red or watery eyes
• Light sensitivity and discomfort with bright lights
• Episodes may repeat over time

Lattice corneal dystrophy typically progresses with age. Protein deposits may increase, making vision more blurry and episodes of pain more frequent. While early treatments can relieve symptoms for years, more advanced treatment may eventually become necessary. Our doctors monitor you closely and adjust your care as needed.

While not usually an emergency, sudden severe pain, sudden vision loss, or signs of infection need prompt attention. If you wear contact lenses and develop pain, redness, or vision changes, it’s important to call right away. If an episode doesn’t heal or recurs frequently, seek care from our team.

• Contact lens pain, redness, or vision loss, stop lens wear and seek care
• Severe or sudden eye pain or dramatic change in vision
• Signs of infection such as yellow or green discharge

Frequent use of artificial tears and bedtime ointments helps keep your cornea hydrated. This can relieve dryness, prevent erosions, and improve comfort. Preservative-free drops are often best for regular use. At night, thicker ointments help protect the cornea during sleep.

• Use lubricating drops during the day as needed
• Apply ointment before sleep for overnight protection
• Special saline drops may help reduce swelling

When pain and erosions are frequent, a soft bandage contact lens can shield your cornea and promote healing. Our doctors will demonstrate proper lens care and prescribe antibiotics as needed to reduce infection risk. These lenses are monitored closely with frequent check-ups during use.

• Continuous lens wear for healing
• Antibiotic drops to prevent infection
• Prompt follow-up for pain or redness

When simple methods do not control symptoms, we may use other treatments. These target the weakness of the cornea’s surface and can further reduce the frequency of painful erosions.

• Hypertonic saline drops or ointment especially at night
• Short-term oral medications with anti-inflammatory effects
• In-office treatments for stubborn erosions
• Customized serum tears for severe cases

If protein deposits or scarring cause your cornea to become irregular, specialty contact lenses may help you see better. Rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses fit over the eye’s surface, creating a smooth layer for clearer vision in eligible patients.

• Rigid gas permeable lenses for irregular corneas
• Scleral lenses for severe cases or increased comfort
• Updated glasses for minor vision changes

Complete blindness from this condition is very rare. With regular eye care and today’s advanced treatments, most people keep useful vision throughout their lives.

There is no permanent cure yet. However, symptoms can often be controlled, and vision restored with modern treatments. Even after surgery, deposits may gradually return, so long-term care is important.

If you have the most common type, each of your children has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene change, but not everyone who inherits it will have the same severity or symptoms. Genetic counseling can provide detailed risk information for your family.

Elective LASIK or PRK is not recommended for TGFBI-related dystrophies like lattice corneal dystrophy. These procedures may worsen the condition. Safer alternatives will be discussed if you want to reduce glasses or contact lens dependence.

Many people never need corneal transplant surgery. If needed, one transplant can often last decades. Repeat surgery is rarely necessary and usually only after many years.

Yes, the condition usually involves both eyes, but one may have more severe or earlier symptoms. Both eyes are checked at every visit to give you the best care possible.

Some patients with mild forms can continue using contact lenses safely, while others with frequent erosions or severe deposits should avoid them. Our doctors will evaluate your eye health and recommend what is safest and most comfortable for you.