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Cornea & Eye Conditions

What is Pellucid Marginal Degeneration (PMD) ? Pellucid Marginal Degeneration is similar to Keratoconus, an eye condition that causes vision...

What is Pellucid Marginal Degeneration (PMD) ?

Pellucid Marginal Degeneration is similar to Keratoconus, an eye condition that causes vision to deteriorate as the cornea slowly changes shape.

 

Next to Keratoconus, PMD is the second most prevalent condition that causes clear, bilateral thinning in cornea. The two conditions are so closely linked that inexperienced doctors often confuse the two. That is why it is important to visit an experience doctor, like Dr. Irwin Azman, who has many years treating patients with both PMD and Keratoconus.

 

PMD is relatively difficult to diagnose, aside from vision deterioration and a very gradual thinning of the cornea, there are very few symptoms. However, if left untreated, an individual with PMD is very likely to develop an irregular astigmatism over time.

 

Dr. Azman often uses his slit lamp instrument to carefully diagnose patients. This examination process is completely noninvasive. It requires Dr. Azman to shine a thin sheet of light onto the eye while using a biomicroscope to provide microscopic details of the structure of the eye.

 

For 100 percent assurance, Dr. Azman may also conduct diagnostic tests using Corneal Topography, which is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that maps the outer structure of the eye.

 

Once the diagnosis has been made, Dr. Azman is able to accurately recommend safe treatment options that will stop the vision deterioration dead in its tracks.

 

Eyeglasses or contact lenses are suitable treatment options for patients in their early stages of PMD. Dr. Azman has the experience and the equipment to properly prescribe and fit lenses for patients with PMD. Fitting contact lenses for PMD eyes is much more difficult than fitting lenses for healthy eyes, which is why it is so important to visit a specialist like Dr. Azman.

 

For patients in progressive stages of PMD, Dr. Azman will offer more advanced treatment methods such as corneal collagen cross linking and intacs.

Laser surgery, unfortunately, is not a treatment option, as it requires additional corneal thinning and this would actually worsen the condition.

 

The good news is that PMD is very gradual. As long as you begin your consultations early on, an experienced doctor like Dr. Azman will be able to lessen your worry and provide you with the care and cure you need to maintain satisfactory vision.