Ophthalmic Procedures

Fuch's Dystrophy

Fuchs’ Dystrophy occurs when the endothelial cells of the cornea gradually deteriorate over time. Symptoms can be seen in patients as young as 30 years old, but the disease is most common in patients who are 50 and older. As cells are lost over time, the endothelial tissue cannot efficiently pump water out of the cells, the cornea begins to swell and vision becomes distorted. Eventually, the damage from the swelling tissue causes a vision impairing haze.

It is not uncommon for a person with Fuchs' Dystrophy to awaken with blurred vision that gradually clears during the day. This is because the cornea is normally thicker in the morning because it has retained fluids during sleep that evaporate while we are awake. As the disease worsens, the swelling will remain constant causing reduced vision throughout the day

Treatment includes drops, ointments and contact lenses to manage the swelling. Eventually, a patient may require a corneal transplant to restore good vision.