EBMD question.

[Crumb]

I've ran accross a reference to EBMD (cogan's dystrophy) in the
Handbook of Ocular Disease Management which states, in reference to
corneal dystrophies:

"A dystrophy is a non-infectious, non-inflammatory defect secondary to
malnutrition or faulty metabolism."

and then goes on to mention several types of corneal dystrophies,
including EBMD.

This is the first time I've ever seen any reference to nutrition or
metabolism in this condition, though one can see a clear connection
between epithelial membrane disorders elsewhere in the body and
certain vitamins and minerals which have been shown to support and
heal them. One can also see how a defeciency in vitamin A could cause
symptoms which could aggravate corneal problems.

Is EBMD, as the book states, a disorder secondary to nutrient
defeciency and faulty metabolism?
Any thoughts on this?

Thanks

[Crumb]

Anyone???

[Dr Judy]

> Anyone???- Hide quoted text -

Likely you got no response because no one thinks that EBMD is
secondary to malnutrion. And the Handbook doesn't say that either.

It gives a general definition of dystrophy in general, then describes
EBMD. Nowhere in the description of EBMD does it suggest the
condition is due to nutrient problems nor does it recommend
supplements or dietary changes as treatment.

http://www.revoptom.com/handbook/sect3i.htm

Dr Judy

[Crumb]

> Dr Judy- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

So the dystrophy that is described as secondary to malnutrition or
metabolic disorder is a different type of dystrophy than those listed
as an example. They really got to correct that as it causes
confusion :-)

I figured the nutritional approach was a bunch of hooey.

The little light at the end of the tunnel was good while it lasted,
though.

Thanks for your reply

[Dr Judy]

The book was stating the general definition of dystrophy which is
cellular dysfunction not including that due to infection or
inflammation but including that due to malnutrition or faulty
metabolism ( cell physiology malfunction), then going on to discuss
some eye dystrophies. It did not state that all dystrophies are
malnutrition related.

EBDM meets the definition in that it is not infection or inflammation
and is a failure of cell synthesis.

The book is not written for a lay audience; those familiar with
physiology and disease would understand dystrophy.

[Crumb]

> physiology and disease would understand dystrophy.- Hide quoted text -

>
> - Show quoted text -

I understand the cellular metabolism definition and how it can be
construed to mean cellular synthesis. It still leaves me asking the
question, why did I not have this condition a year ago and why do I
have it now. There has to be some cure for it, somewhere. Maybe it
*is* nutritional. Perhaps secondary or tertiary to an inflammatory
process of some kind. I really doubt that medical science is at a
point where it knows even close to what there is to know. And, no
doubt, looking back 100 years from now, people will say that we were
living in the dark ages.

I'm going to go eat some carrots :-)

Thanks again.

[Dr. Leukoma]

> Thanks again.- Hide quoted text -

>
> - Show quoted text -

Some dystrophies characteristically occur at a certain age. It's
highly unusual to see EBMD in a child. It is also not clear whether
or not some variants of EBMD are acquired. And, you are correct that
knowledge is never complete.

DrG