Key Information
Lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD) is an inherited disorder of the eye characterized by the deposition of amyloid resulting in steadily progressive loss of vision. These deposits create linear, "lattice-like" opacities arising primarily in the central cornea, while the peripheral cornea is often spared. They are radially oriented and are accompanied by gradual, superficial opacification of the cornea. Recurrent epithelial erosions are often present, causing ocular irritation and additional vision loss. The erosions may appear before any noticeable stromal deposits. LCD belongs to a broader family of corneal dystrophies and has several subtypes, as described below.
Type I LCD (LCD1), also known as classic lattice corneal dystrophy or Biber-Haab-Dimmer dystrophy, is the primary form of LCD. It is autosomal dominant and results from mutations in the transforming human growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI) gene. LCD type II is no longer included among the corneal dystrophies as it is a primarily systemic disorder with ophthalmologic features.