Corneal Transplantation (Penetrating Keratoplasty) at the Duke Eye Center

POSTED BY ALAN ON JAN 14, 2012 IN BLOG, CORNEAL TRANSPLANTATION, DUKE EYE CENTER

Dr. Carlson

Macular corneal dystrophy (MCDC; sometimes also Fehr corneal dystrophy) is a rare pathological condition affecting the stroma of cornea. The first signs are usually noticed in the first decade of life, and progress afterwards, with opacities developing in the cornea.  There is also a predisposition to developing painful recurrent corneal erosions.  MCDC is inherited in autosomal recessive fashion and is thought to be caused by the lack or abnormal confuguration of keratan sulfate. Most cases of MCD are caused by mutations in CHST6 gene.  The condition was first described by Arthur Groenouw in 1890.

Alan N. Carlson, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology and Chief of the Corneal and Refractive Surgery Service at the Duke Eye Center demonstrates the basic techniques behind successful corneal transplantation (penetrating keratoplasty) in a patient with visually significant corneal opacification from Macular Corneal Dystrophy.