Do I need surgery for ABMD?

[Grwhite56]

I went to see an optomologist to see about having cataract surgery. When he couldn't get accurate measurements for the surgery because of a problem with my corneas he referred me to a cornea specialist. The specialist diagnosed me with ABMD and told me I needed surgery to correct it. I'm told I can't have the cataract surgery until the ABMD is resolved.  Is there other options for me to try before I go for the surgery or is that the best course of treatment in the log run? I was reading about other options and I'm a little nervous about the surgery. The corneal specialist does have me on a pre surgery court of treatment of hot compress, lid hygiene, lotemax gel drops , xiidra drops and preservative free artificial tears. This is to make the healing process after the surgery more successful.
My question is would it be wise to try the contact lens bandage with drops and ointments first to see if that would allow me to have the cataract surgery.

[JohnHaganMD]

I would suggest you get a second opinion from a different cornea specialist both about the treatment and your desire to have surgery. Anterior Basement Membrane Disorder (ABMD) is ultra common and most people don't know they have it, most cases do not cause problems or need treatment. Some cases can cause problems with recurrent corneal erosions (they are usually very painful and often awake a person from sleep or cause severe pain on awakening).  In a very few cases they can be so located in the center of the pupil (visual axis) that they interfere significantly with vision. In these cases the cornea is often scraped clean and a bandage lens put over to hopefully re-heal smoother. Again in rare, severe cases superficial eximer laser surgery is used for the same purpose. If you are assymptomatic, not have pain and discomfort or suffering from recurrent erosions it's puzzling why you would need the full court press treatment you outline. So as I said I think a second opinion is in order.