Corneal Degeneration vs. Corneal Dystrophy – What’s the Difference

👁 Corneal Degeneration vs. Corneal Dystrophy – What’s the Difference?

When describing corneal changes, ophthalmologists distinguish between:

• Degeneration
• Dystrophy

Each term refers to different causes, patterns, and implications.

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🧬 🔍 Definitions

AspectDegenerationDystrophy

Onset	Typically in middle-aged or elderly individuals	Usually before age 10
Cause	Acquired, age-related, environmental	Genetic, congenital
Laterality	Asymmetric, sporadic	Bilateral and symmetric
Location	Often peripheral; neovascularization common	Usually central; neovascularization rare
Family history	Uncommon	Often positive
Progression	Progressive	Typically slow or non-progressive

 

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🧪 Examples of Corneal Degeneration

🔵 Age-related

• Arcus senilis
• Terrien’s marginal degeneration
• Crocodile shagreen
• Furrow degeneration

🔵 Non-age-related

• Band keratopathy
• Spheroidal degeneration
• Corneal keloid
• Amyloid & lipid degeneration

 

 

 

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🧬 Examples of Corneal Dystrophy

• Granular dystrophy
• Lattice dystrophy
• Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy
• Fleck corneal dystrophy

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✅ Summary

• Degeneration = acquired, age-related
• Dystrophy = congenital, inherited
• Knowing the difference helps guide diagnosis, management, and prognosis.