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Fuchs’ Dystrophy


Fuchs’ dystrophy is a progressive eye disease that affects the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface of the eye that helps focus light. The condition occurs when the endothelial cells, which pump fluid out of the cornea to keep it clear, begin to deteriorate. As these cells die off, fluid builds up in the cornea, causing swelling and clouding of vision. Fuchs’ dystrophy typically affects both eyes and can lead to vision loss over time if untreated. It often begins to develop in middle age and worsens gradually. The early stages of Fuchs' dystrophy may not cause any noticeable symptoms, but as the disease progresses, it can lead to significant vision impairment.

  • Causes: Fuchs' dystrophy is often inherited, though the exact genetic cause is not fully understood. Environmental factors and aging also contribute to the deterioration of endothelial cells. Risk factors include a family history of the disease and being female, as it tends to affect women more than men.
  • Symptoms: Early symptoms include blurry vision, especially in the morning, halos around lights, sensitivity to light, glare, and discomfort in the eye. As the disease progresses, vision may remain blurry throughout the day, and the cornea may become visibly swollen.
  • Treatment: In the early stages, eye drops or ointments may help reduce swelling and improve vision. As the disease advances, a corneal transplant may be necessary to replace the damaged tissue. DMEK (Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) and DSEK (Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty) are two common types of corneal transplants used to treat Fuchs' dystrophy.

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