Terriens Marginal Degeneration of the Cornea (Photo)

terriensmarginaldegeneration.jpg

This photograph shows a case of Terrien’s Marginal degeneration, where the cornea thins at the edges toward the limbus. The etiology of this condition is not understood, but classically these eyes present with a band of thinning with a step-off toward the center. Also, you can see white lipid deposit, vessels growing into the area.

This disorder can cause significant ectasia and even perforate, though usually it is benign and only bears watching. To get a better idea how this eye looks, besure and watch our terrien’s marginal degeneration video.


Comments and Feedback
6 Comments »


I found this site very informative. I am a 27 year old female who has suffered from Terrien’s Marginal Degeneration from the age of 21yrs, though it took the doc’s 6 yrs to confirm. I have flare up’s every 2-6months & are looking for more info on this condition, as I have heard that it can orginate from other illness’ please contact me by email. NELLZ.BIZ@hotmail.com if you have more info. Thanks Heaps

Comment by Janelle Harvey — October 28, 2007 @ 11:42 am


My son (age 18) was diagnosed with Terrien’s at the age of 12 in both eyes. To date the disease hasn’t progressed or changed. I’d like to receive any information or new information as it becomes available. Thank you.

Comment by Shelley Okubo — October 19, 2009 @ 9:26 pm


Diagnosed in the mid 90’s. One eye has it the other at this point is fine. In the bad eye I can barely make out the big “E”. Have searched and searched for a solution. Doc’s say you have a good eye, deal with it. very frustrating

Comment by Robb — December 8, 2009 @ 11:03 am


Robb said, “One eye has it the other at this point is fine. In the bad eye I can barely make out the big ā€œEā€”

I am the same right now Robb… My left eye is pretty much nothing but blur and I can’t get past the big “E”… So I rely fully on my right eye which at least so far can read almost the entire eye exam chart except for the last 2 lines… I was in Emergency yesterday and am being encouraged to see a specialist, as (at least to the Emerge staff) it appears the Terriends may be spreading to my right eye..

Comment by John in Canada — January 14, 2010 @ 10:55 am


I would suggest you find a Optometrist Contact Lens Fitter for special cases to improve you vision with scleral lenses

Comment by Ibanezcol — January 14, 2011 @ 11:48 pm


I have had this disease since oh 17 or 18. I was diagnosed around 20 or 21. I had a major perforation in my right eye at age 22 or 23 which almost resulted me loosing my eye. In 2003 or 04 i had a perforation in my left eye which was not as bad as the first one but still needed surgery. In 2008 i had yet another perforation in my left eye but is was a micro perforation which sealed it self up while i was waiting for the doctor in his office. I have flare ups all the time and they are painful most of the time. I get blurred vision in most flare ups with red eyes. One thing i have noticed over all these years is that the disease attacks one eye for some time until it perforates and then attacks the next eye. As of late though i have been getting flare ups in both eyes. My vision is really bad and i am now pritty much on my last pair of glasses. I have been looking in to the synthetic corneas and was hopeing someone in the field may contact me. I would like to know if it is possible for someone with Terriens to get this transplant.

Comment by Cory in Canada — May 12, 2011 @ 9:39 pm


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