Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy

Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy

What is Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy?

Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy, also known as Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy, is an eye disease caused by degenerative changes to the innermost layer of cells in the cornea, known as the endothelium. When this cell layer functions properly, it maintains the right amount of fluid in the cornea, which prevents the cornea from swelling. With Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy, cells in the endothelium gradually degenerate and take on abnormal shapes, which causes fluid buildup, corneal thickening and blurred vision. Fuchs’ can be inherited or sporadically develop. The disease usually starts earlier, but symptoms may not develop until your 50s or 60s.

What are the symptoms of Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy?

Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy, which usually affects both eyes, can cause glare that limits your vision in dim or bright light and blurred vision, which is worse in the morning and gradually improves throughout the day. As Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy progresses, your blurred vision may take longer to improve or may not improve at all. You may also experience pain or tiny blisters on the surface of your cornea that cause a gritty feeling.

How is Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy treated?

Dr. Chocron may recommend nonsurgical treatments and self-care strategies to help you relieve the symptoms of Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy. In more severe cases, he might recommend surgery. Nonsurgical treatments may include eye drops or ointments that help reduce the amount of fluid in your corneas. Soft contact lenses can act as a covering and relieve your pain during flare ups with blisters. Surgery for advanced Fuchs’ dystrophy can give you much better vision and help you remain symptom-free for years. Surgical options include an endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK or DMEK), in which the inner layer of your corneas is replaced with healthy tissue from a donor. This procedure is usually performed using local anesthesia in an outpatient surgery center.

We welcome new patients and would be delighted to take care of your vision needs. Call 954.342.6399 or use our Request an appointment form. Our eye clinic cares for people of all ages from Hollywood, Hallandale, Aventura, Pembroke Pines, Golden Beach, Sunny Isles, Bal Harbour and surrounding communities.

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