Gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy
Gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy, also known as amyloid corneal dystrophy, is a rare form of corneal dystrophy. The disease was described by Nakaizumi as early as 1914. Presentation. The main pathological features in this dystrophy are mulberry-shaped gelatinous masses beneath the corneal epithelium. Patients suffer from photophobia, foreign body sensation in the cornea. The loss of vision is severe. The amyloid nodules have been found to contain lactoferrin, but the gene encoding lactoferrin is unaffected. This form of corneal amyloidosis appears to be more frequent in Japan. Genetics. A number of mutations causing  this disease have been described in the M1S1 (TACSTD2) gene encoding "Tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2", but not all patients have these mutations, suggesting involvement of other genes. Treatment. Recurrence within a few years occurs in all patients following corneal transplantation. Soft contact lenses are effective in decreasing recurrences.