Overview
Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy (PDCD) is a rare eye condition that affects the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. Specifically, it involves the layer of the cornea just in front of Descemet's membrane, which is one of the deepest layers of the cornea. In this condition, tiny deposits or opacities (small cloudy spots) form in this deep layer of the cornea. These deposits are usually very small and may appear as fine dots, flecks, or other shapes when examined under a slit lamp microscope by an eye doctor. Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy is generally considered a benign condition, meaning it usually does not cause significant vision problems for most people. Many individuals with this condition may not even know they have it, as it is often discovered during a routine eye examination. In some cases, mild visual disturbances may occur if the deposits become more numerous or dense over time. Because this dystrophy rarely causes significant symptoms, treatment is usually not necessary. When it is identified, regular monitoring by an ophthalmologist is typically recommended to track any changes over time. In the very rare event that vision is significantly affected, corneal transplant surgery could theoretically be considered, but this is almost never needed. PDCD may occur on its own (isolated form) or in association with other conditions. It is sometimes also referred to as deep filiform dystrophy or punctiform and polychromatic pre-Descemet dominant corneal dystrophy.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Tiny cloudy spots deep in the corneaUsually no noticeable vision problemsMild blurring of vision in some casesSmall dot-like or fleck-like deposits visible on eye examCondition usually affects both eyesSlight glare sensitivity in rare cases
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy.
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View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy at this time.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How many deposits do you see in my cornea, and are they affecting my vision at all?,How often should I have my eyes checked to monitor this condition?,Is there any chance this could get worse over time?,Could this condition be related to any other health problems I should know about?,Should my family members be screened for this condition?,Is genetic testing recommended in my case?,Are there any signs or symptoms I should watch for that would require me to come in sooner?
Common questions about Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy
What is Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy?
Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy (PDCD) is a rare eye condition that affects the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. Specifically, it involves the layer of the cornea just in front of Descemet's membrane, which is one of the deepest layers of the cornea. In this condition, tiny deposits or opacities (small cloudy spots) form in this deep layer of the cornea. These deposits are usually very small and may appear as fine dots, flecks, or other shapes when examined under a slit lamp microscope by an eye doctor. Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy is generally considered a b
At what age does Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy typically begin?
Typical onset of Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.