Cogan's microcystic dystrophy of the cornea: ultrastructure and photomicroscopy.

Corneal biopsy specimens from 3 patients with Cogan's microcystic corneal dystrophy were examined by light and electron microscopy. Specimens were taken from corneas showing microcysts, geographic or map-like areas, and refractile striae. In all samples there is a bilaminate subepithelial layer of fibrogranular material, the friability of which is probably the basis for recurrent erosions in this disorder. Histochemical and ultrastructural findings provide further evidence that Cogan's dystrophy, the finger print/bleb dystrophy, and Meesmann's dystrophy should be regarded as separate entities.