Reis-Bucklers corneal dystrophy (or Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy), also known as Corneal dystrophy of Bowman layer, type I, is a rare form of human corneal dystrophy in which the Bowman's layer

Bowman's membrane

The Bowman's membrane is a smooth layer in the eye. It is located between the superficial epithelium and the stroma in the cornea. It is composed of strong collagen fibers and helps the cornea maintain its shape...

 undergoes disintegration. The disease has been associated with mutations in TGFBI

TGFBI

Transforming growth factor, beta-induced, 68kDa, also known as TGFBI , is a protein which in humans is encoded by the TGFBI gene.- Function :...

 gene. Symmetrical reticular opacities, usually appearing bilaterally in the upper cornea by the age of 4 or 5 years, elevate the corneal epithelium

Corneal epithelium

The corneal epithelium is made up of epithelial tissue and covers the front of the cornea. It acts as a barrier to protect the cornea, resisting the free flow of fluids from the tears, and prevents bacteria from entering the epithelium and corneal stroma.The corneal epithelium consists of several...

, leading eventually to its erosions that prompt attacks of ocular hyperemia, pain, and photophobia

Photophobia

Photophobia is a symptom of abnormal intolerance to visual perception of light. As a medical symptom photophobia is not a morbid fear or phobia, but an experience of discomfort or pain to the eyes due to light exposure or by presence of actual physical photosensitivity of the eyes, though the term...

.

The dystrophy was described in 1917 by Reis and in 1949 by Bucklers.

External links

• Reis-Bucklers dystrophy at Digital Reference of Ophthalmology.