Terrien's marginal degeneration

Terrien's marginal degeneration is a rare, slowly progressive condition that affects the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It is characterized by thinning (degeneration) of the peripheral corneal stroma, leading to a characteristic appearance of the cornea. The condition is typically bilateral and asymmetric, and it usually begins in the superior cornea. The cause of Terrien's marginal degeneration is unknown.

Signs and Symptoms

Patients with Terrien's marginal degeneration may initially be asymptomatic, but as the condition progresses, they may experience decreased vision, irregular astigmatism, and in severe cases, corneal perforation. The condition is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, including slit-lamp examination and corneal topography.

Treatment

The treatment of Terrien's marginal degeneration is primarily aimed at managing the symptoms and preventing further progression of the disease. This may include the use of glasses or contact lenses to correct irregular astigmatism, and in severe cases, corneal transplantation may be necessary.

Epidemiology

Terrien's marginal degeneration is a rare condition, with an estimated prevalence of less than 1 in 200,000. It typically affects adults in their fourth or fifth decade of life, and it is more common in men than in women.

See Also

• Cornea
• Corneal transplantation
• Astigmatism

References

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