What is Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy (EBMD)?
Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy (EBMD) is a genetically influenced abnormality, which causes small islands of the corneas surface (epithelium) to improperly bond to the underlying tissue. Similar to newly laid sod, these islands of unstable tissue are susceptible to frequent erosions. Although not typically sight threatening, corneal erosions can be a chronic problem. They may alter the cornea’s normal curvature, causing periodic blurred vision. They may also expose the nerve endings that line the tissue, resulting in moderate to severe pain lasting as long as several days. Generally, the pain will be worse on awakening in the morning, or during the night. Other symptoms include sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, and foreign body sensation in the eye. Who is affected by EBMD? EBMD usually affects adults between the ages of 40 to 70, although it can develop earlier in life. EBMD tends to occur in both eyes, although it is often asymmetric. It gets its name from the unusual
