Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUnderstanding EBMDSymptomsDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Understanding EBMD
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD), also known as anterior basement membrane disease or map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy, is a common condition that affects the cornea of the eye (the clear, dome-shaped structure in the front part of the eye that a contact lens is placed on).
The condition usually affects people over 30 years of age. EBMD is sometimes silent, leaving those affected unaware of their condition. Some people with the disease have subtle corneal irritation that is short-lived, while others may have chronic symptoms that seem to act up every day.
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EBMD is a disorder of the basal epithelial cells located in the front part of the cornea. These basal cells stick to the second membrane layer, also referred to as Bowman’s layer. In EBMD, the basal cells create abnormal, finger-like projections that stick out from the thickened underlying membrane. These projections cause the epithelial cells to become loose. Along with other changes that occur among the epithelial cells, these changes give an appearance of maps, dots, and fingerprints within the cornea. These characteristic changes can be seen with the use of a slit-lamp biomicroscope.
Risk factors for progression or exacerbation of EBMD include trauma, such as corneal abrasion, as well as LASIK or other intraocular surgery.
People with EBMD may complain of the following symptoms:
Symptoms tend to be worse during the morning hours, because the eye dries out at night, and the cells that are poorly adhered seem to come off more easily upon waking.
Treatment for EBMD is aimed at reducing the number of painful, symptomatic erosions. In people who don’t have apparent symptoms, treatment includes using artificial tears several times per day to encourage optimal epithelial cell health. People with more noticeable symptoms will be told to make more frequent use of artificial tears, as well as bland eye ointments before bedtime.
If there is a history of dry eye, punctal occlusion is also recommended. Punctal occlusion involves inserting a small collagen or silicone plug in the tear drainage canal of the eye to conserve the patient’s tears.
Blindfolds or goggles may also be part of the treatment plan to prevent dryness at night. However, you’ll want to be sure to use a vaulted version: flat sleep masks or goggles can dry onto the surface of the cornea when people leave their eyes open a little at night, risking more injury to the cornea.
In moderately severe cases, healthcare providers will recommend a hypertonic eye drop or ointment during the day and at night. This is a salt solution that draws the fluid out of the cornea, making it very compact, and helps the epithelial cells stay more tightly adhered to the cornea. Occasionally, healthcare providers will use soft contact lenses to smooth out the cornea.
A Word From Verywell
1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Edell E, Woodward MA, Bunya V.Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy. American Academy of Opthamology EyeWiki. February 21, 2020.Additional ReadingPrimary Care of the Anterior Segment, Second Edition. Copyright 1995, Appleton & Lange.
1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Edell E, Woodward MA, Bunya V.Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy. American Academy of Opthamology EyeWiki. February 21, 2020.Additional ReadingPrimary Care of the Anterior Segment, Second Edition. Copyright 1995, Appleton & Lange.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Edell E, Woodward MA, Bunya V.Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy. American Academy of Opthamology EyeWiki. February 21, 2020.
Primary Care of the Anterior Segment, Second Edition. Copyright 1995, Appleton & Lange.
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