Jumping Letters: The Mystery of “Map Dot Fingerprint Dystrophy”
From person to person, reading can prove difficult for a huge variety of reasons. The most obvious would be refractive errors such as hyperopia (long-sightedness), presbyopia, and astigmatism. However, other conditions such as dyslexia, can also significantly affect how accurately an individual can decipher the letters on a page.
Another, lesser-known condition that can affect your ability to clearly discern letters is Map Dot Fingerprint Dystrophy (MDFD).
What is Map Dot Fingerprint Dystrophy?
Also known as Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy (EBMD) or Cogan’s dystrophy, MDFD is a type of corneal dystrophy – a rare group of genetic conditions that cause changes to the cornea. Unlike other corneal conditions, corneal dystrophies are not usually associated with inflammation, infection, or other eye disease.
There are several types of corneal dystrophies: epithelial dystrophies, stromal dystrophies, and endothelial dystrophies. MDFD is the most common epithelial dystrophy.
While MDFD doesn’t usually run in families, it can occasionally be passed on through genes. Moreover, most people with this condition do not notice any symptoms, with only 10% of people with MDFD experiencing corneal erosions.
What are Corneal Erosions?
Corneal erosions occur when dystrophy (tissue degeneration) changes the anchoring layer of the corneal epithelium. This can cause small areas of the corneal epithelium to become detached. These erosions can appear like areas of land on a map, dots, or fingerprints on the cornea – hence the name Map Dot Fingerprint Dystrophy!
These corneal erosions can be painful but they usually heal very quickly – thanks to the amazing healing power of the eyes. Nonetheless, treatment may be required to relieve pain and aid in the healing process. Treatments can include eye drops to cause pupil dilation and antibiotic eye drops.
However, in more severe cases, other treatments may be required. This may include the application of “bandage” contact lenses or “debridement” procedures, in which loose tissue is removed from the surface of the cornea.
Other symptoms of MDFD can include:
- Pain and discomfort
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Red and watery eyes
- Inability to open the affected eye(s)
In many cases, corneal erosions occur in periods of “flare-up” and are resolved with no lasting effects or problems with sight. As such, many patients with this rare condition do not experience problems with day-to-day activities like driving or reading.
However, in some cases, MDFD can disrupt activities such as reading. For example, to some patients with the condition, it may seem that letters appear to jump around on the page while reading. The good news is that this usually doesn’t affect their usual reading ability – although it may become annoying while undergoing the Snellen test during an eye examination!
Will MDFD make me unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery?
In a nutshell – no! Map Dot Fingerprint Dystrophy is not necessarily a contraindication for Laser Eye Surgery. However, you will need to attend a comprehensive consultation at our Harley Street clinic to allow one of our experienced doctors to make a thorough assessment.
For more information about common eye conditions, or to learn more about the treatments available at the London Vision Clinic, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators today. Alternatively, Book a Consultation to find out if you could be suitable for Laser Eye Surgery!