<p>Consultant Allon Barsam was recently featured on television speaking about a rare eye condition, Reis-Bucklers Corneal Dystrophy.</p> <p>Appearing on the popular TV series, Medical Mysteries, Mr Barsam was shown performing life-changing surgery to treat the condition, which had been causing painful, worrying and unexplained problems for a man whose eyes seemed to be ‘disintegrating’.</p> <h2>What is it?</h2> <p>Corneal dystrophy is an umbrella term for a number of different dystrophies that affect the cornea – the strong, clear outer layer of the eye that protects it against foreign bodies and helps the eye to focus light.</p> <p>What they have in common is corneal erosion caused by an accumulation of material that can lead to damage and scarring. The conditions are congenital, meaning that they are inherited from one or both parents and often run in families. Many, including Reis-Bucklers, are progressive, getting worse as time goes by.</p> <p>Reis-Bucklers corneal dystrophy affects the outer layers of the cornea, so it is classed as an anterior corneal dystrophy. This particular dystrophy affects the Bowman’s layer, which is situated behind the epithelium.</p>