The Classification and Clinical Characteristics in Korean Patients with Avellino Corneal Dystrophy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To classify Avellino corneal dystrophy (ACD) into 3 groups by slit lamp photography and to evaluate the inter-group differences. METHODS: DNA analysis was performed in one member from each of 45 families who were clinically diagnosed as ACD. Corneal opacities were classified into mild (group I), moderate (group II), and severe (group III) based on slit lamp photograph. RESULTS: Six patients were confirmed as homozygous ACD and ninety-two as heterozygous ACD. One homozygous patient was revealed to have a novel phenotype. The age increased with increasing severity, and the proportion of females in group III was significantly higher than that of the other two groups (p=0.001). The prevalence of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) increased in group III (p=0.001), and the incidence of pterygium increased in group I compared with the other two groups (p=0.025). CONCLUSIONS: ACD was aggravated with age, while pterygium and LASIK altered the natural course of ACD.