FUCHS DYSTROPHY
Fuchs dystrophy is a slowly progressing disease that usually affects both eyes and is slightly more common in women than in men. Although doctors can often see early signs of Fuchs dystrophy in people in their 30s and 40s, the disease rarely affects vision until people reach their 50s and 60s.
The inner most cells of the cornea are called endothelial cells. The cells serve as water pumps keeping the cornea clear. Fuchs' dystrophy occurs when endothelial cells gradually deteriorate without any apparent reason. As more endothelial cells are lost over the years, the endothelium becomes less efficient at pumping water out of the cornea causing it to swell and distort vision. Eventually, the entire cornea swells with water including the surface layer, or epithelium, resulting in ruptured bullae (similar to water blisters) causing pain and blurry vision.
Fuchs dystrophy can also lead to a longer healing time after any type of intraocular eye surgery, including cataract surgery. Depending on the severity of Fuchs dystrophy, a corneal transplant maybe needed at the time of or after cataract surgery.
Fuchs dystrophy is a slowly progressing disease that usually affects both eyes and is slightly more common in women than in men. Although doctors can often see early signs of Fuchs dystrophy in people in their 30s and 40s, the disease rarely affects vision until people reach their 50s and 60s.
The inner most cells of the cornea are called endothelial cells. The cells serve as water pumps keeping the cornea clear. Fuchs' dystrophy occurs when endothelial cells gradually deteriorate without any apparent reason. As more endothelial cells are lost over the years, the endothelium becomes less efficient at pumping water out of the cornea causing it to swell and distort vision. Eventually, the entire cornea swells with water including the surface layer, or epithelium, resulting in ruptured bullae (similar to water blisters) causing pain and blurry vision.
Fuchs dystrophy can also lead to a longer healing time after any type of intraocular eye surgery, including cataract surgery. Depending on the severity of Fuchs dystrophy, a corneal transplant maybe needed at the time of or after cataract surgery.