Fuchs dystrophy is a progressive disease which affects the cornea.
Fuchs dystrophy decreases the number of specific cells (called endothelial cells), which create the inner layer of the cornea. The endothelial cells are of key importance for processing liquids, which make up for a part of the cellular structure of the cornea. When the endothelial cells decrease, they stop working properly and fluid is accumulated in the cornea. The corneal tissue progressively contracts, swells and darkens, losing its crystal clear transparency.
Fuchs dystrophy is a progressive disease and can affect vision. The condition can lead to blindness.
The disease, for a large part, is hereditary. There is a 50% chance that patients will pass it on to their children.
Usually symptoms can include:
• Unclear or blurred vision
• Halos around specific objects
• Decreased vision sharpness
• Decreased ability to make out contrasts
• Difficulty driving at night
• Changes in sight, especially at early morning hours
• Pain in the eyes
The treatment for Fuchs dystrophy varies according to the stage in which the disease is. The frequency of follow up visits to your doctor can also vary.
It’s not possible to stop the changes in the corneal tissue, so the treatment of Fuchs dystrophy concentrates on managing the symptoms and pain connected to them. A part of the main problem, especially in the early stages, is the collection of tissue, your doctor may recommend treatment that helps the excess liquid evaporate, such as exposure to warm and dry air.