About Avellino Corneal Dystrophy

When people are classified as bad candidates for LASIK surgery, it is often because they have a genetic condition known as Avellino Corneal Dystrophy (ACD). ACD causes the development of white or grayish granular deposits in the cornea. Those deposits develop slowly over a long period of time, and lead to clouded vision. LASIK surgery can actually worsen the concentration of cloudiness to the point of blindness.

New Gene Testing Available

To avoid that outcome, Avellino Laboratory USA now offers a gene test to identify people who are carriers of the ACD gene and should not undergo the procedure. Often people with ACD show obvious signs, like small spots in the cornea, in time for their surgeon to disqualify their candidacy for surgery. However, for those who haven’t yet developed the spots in the cornea, this is especially dangerous.

The new gene testing, which only involves a cheek swabbing, is extremely effective in detecting the ACD gene. The results can be obtained in as little as a couple of days. The test costs around $100 and is included in the cost of LASIK surgery in some clinics. It is not covered by insurance, and patients are encouraged to use their Flex Spending Accounts to fund the test.

If the test reveals that you’re a good candidate for LASIK surgery and you decide to proceed, learn more about Vistar Eye Center’s LASIK services.