Additionally, CLDN1 mRNA expression was significantly reduced in pterygium corneal epithelial samples (p = 0.023), and CDH1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in EBMD (p = 0.021) and pterygium corneal epithelial samples (p = 0.003) than in controls (Figure 3G,I). This evidence concerns the gene CDH1 and epithelial basement membrane dystrophy.