Abstract
BACKGROUND: Corneal dystrophies are a group of rare eye diseases that can cause visual impairment and affect social well-being, independence, and active participation in society. This study presents data on the impact of corneal dystrophies on quality of life compared to a healthy control group. METHODS: This prospective case control study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital Ulm in Germany. The study included 45 patients with corneal dystrophy (excluding Fuchs endothelial dystrophy) between 2021 and 2024, and a control group of 45 healthy patients. All patients completed two questionnaires on quality of life (NEI-VFQ and VF-14). The quality of life was correlated with visual acuity and Scheimpflug imaging parameters, such as higher order aberrations as well as corneal astigmatism, densitometry and pachymetry. RESULTS: Thirteen different corneal dystrophies were included; genetic testing confirmed the dystrophies in thirteen patients (13/36 tested; 13/45 total). Mean age was 57 ± 16 years, 60% were female. Compared to the control group, patients with corneal dystrophies reported a significantly worse overall quality of life in the VF-14 (p < 0.001) and in all categories of the NEI-VFQ (p < 0.02). There was a high correlation of the quality of life in patients with corneal dystrophy with visual acuity, higher order aberrations and corneal astigmatism, and no correlation with corneal densitometry and pachymetry. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that corneal dystrophies have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life in many ways. These findings highlight the importance of identifying and treating these diseases to enhance overall well-being and active participation in daily life.