A review of selected inherited corneal dystrophies associated with systemic diseases

The normal transparency of the cornea permits detailed in vivo study of several human pathologic conditions. Many systemic diseases are associated with corneal dystrophies which are manifested by haziness, opacification, crystalline deposition, or discoloration. Although these abnormal states can sometimes be seen grossly, biomicroscopy with slit lamp illumination is necessary for an exact morphologic description. Only precise delineation can lead to an accurate diagnosis of the corneal disorder and thus provide clues for an associatkd systemic disease.