Be Eye Wise and find out that Fuchs’ Dystrophy is a progressive disease affecting the part of the eye called the cornea – the clear, round dome covering the eye’s iris and pupil. Fuchs’ dystrophy reduces the number of endothelial cells that make up the inner layer of the cornea. When these endothelial cells diminish, the cells stop processing water properly and fluid starts to build up. The corneal tissue gradually thickens, causing the cornea to become swollen and cloudy, losing its crystal-clear transparency.
Symptoms of Fuchs’ Dystrophy can be:
- Hazy or cloudy vision.
- Glare around certain objects (especially light sources).
- Halos around certain objects.
- Reduced visual acuity.
- Reduced ability to discern contrasts.
- Difficult driving at night.
- Fluctuations in vision, especially in the early morning.
- Pain in the eye.
Causes of Fuchs’ Dystrophy can be:
- Genetic, but not always
Treatment of Fuchs’ Dystrophy:
No current treatments can stop the change in the corneal tissue, therefore treatment of Fuchs’ dystrophy mostly focuses on relieving symptoms and pain. This can be accomplished using prescription ointments, drops or bandage contact lenses. In very advanced cases, your doctor may recommend a corneal transplant or other surgical procedures.
To learn all you can about Fuchs’ dystrophy, please schedule an appointment with a Northwest Eye doctor. Because the more you know, the better you see.
