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Superior pellucid marginal corneal degeneration.
M S Sridhar1, S Mahesh, A K Bansal
1Cornea Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India. mss@lvpeye.stph.net
Eye (London, England)
|April 8, 2004
Summary
Superior pellucid marginal corneal degeneration (PMCD) presents with characteristic thinning and ectasia. Contact lens correction is often effective, with surgery reserved for select cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Diseases
- Ophthalmic Imaging
Background:
- Superior pellucid marginal corneal degeneration (PMCD) is a rare, progressive ectatic disorder.
- It is often misdiagnosed due to its atypical presentation compared to classic PMCD.
Observation:
- This study reviewed 15 eyes of 8 patients with superior PMCD.
- Clinical features included varying degrees of corneal thinning (30-90%) and ectasia below the thinning.
- Topographic findings revealed reduced power in the vertical meridian and superior loop cylinder.
Findings:
- Visual acuity at presentation ranged from hand motions to 20/25.
- Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses improved vision in most cases.
- Two eyes required surgical intervention (peripheral annular graft or lamellar graft).
Implications:
- Superior PMCD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of superior ectatic corneal disorders.
- Characteristic topographic findings aid in diagnosis.
- Visual rehabilitation is typically successful with contact lenses, with surgery as a last resort.