Corneal Dystrophy, Lisch Epithelial

A very rare form of superficial corneal dystrophy with characteristics of feather-shaped opacities and microcysts in the corneal epithelium arranged in a band-shaped and sometimes whorled pattern, occasionally with impaired vision. Exact prevalence of this form of corneal dystrophy is not known but very few cases have been reported to date. Lesions generally develop in childhood. Epithelial opacities are slowly progressive and painless blurred vision sometimes occurs after 60 years of age. The exact cause is unknown but appears to be genetic. The gene related to Lisch epithelial corneal dystrophy has been mapped to the short arm of the X chromosome (Xp22.3).