[Ultrastructural studies of the epithelium in Reis-Bückler's corneal dystrophy]

In Reis-Bücklers' dystrophy an unknown pathomechanism in Bowman's layer and the basal cells of the corneal epithelium results in recurrent epithelial erosions. The final stage is characterized by visual impairment due to irregular astigmatism and opacities in the superficial stroma. The treatment is superficial keratectomy, lamellar or perforating keratoplasty. This study presents the electron-microscopic findings in the epithelium and Bowman's layer from samples obtained from 3 generations of the same family. All were diagnosed and treated in the University Eye Clinic of Hamburg.