Fuchs Dystrophy: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Fuchs Dystrophy is a disease affecting the cornea.
It occurs when the cells in the endothelium layer of the cornea die gradually.
These cells help in pumping fluid from the cornea and keep it clear.
When these cells die, fluids start collecting, and the cornea gets swollen. This leads to corneal thickening, blurry vision, and eye discomfort.
People in their 30s or 40s can have Fuchs dystrophy and may not know about it. Vision problems generally start after the age of 50 years.
According to MedlinePlus, Fuchs dystrophy affects approximately 4 percent of people over 40 years in the US.
In this article, you will learn more about Fuchs Dytrophy, its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Fuchs Dystrophy Symptoms
The symptoms of Fuchs dystrophy are divided into two stages: early and later stage.
In the early stage, you may notice very few symptoms. Your sight may become hazy or blurry when you wake up but improve as you spend the day.
This is because the eyes stay moist all the time when sleeping.
But as you wake, the fluid present on the cornea usually dries.
In the later stage, the blurry or hazy vision will not go away as the day passes.
Excessive fluid gets stored during sleep and doesn’t dry up during the day.
There must be small blisters present on the cornea. Blisters can even get bigger and will break eventually, causing pain.
Some other symptoms of Fuchs dystrophy are as follows:
- Gritty feeling in the eyes
- Increased sensitivity to bright light
- Problems can get worse in humid areas
- Very blurry vision due to scarring at the center of the cornea
Causes
The exact cause of Fuchs’s dystrophy has yet to be fully understood.
But several factors may contribute to its development.
One of the primary factors that may contribute is genetics. This condition tends to run in families.
Women and individuals having a family history of Fuchs dystrophy are more prone to this condition.
Another cause is age. Fuchs dystrophy is seen as more common in older adults.
It is considered that age-related changes can contribute to the development of this condition.
Some other causes include the following:
- Exposure to UV radiation
- History of eye surgery or trauma
- Underlying medical conditions
Diagnosis
The doctor can do a physical examination of your eye. They may check for any visible damage to the eye.
Some other tests that your doctor may recommend are:
Cornea examination and grading
Your doctor may check your eye using a slit lamp or optical microscope for Fuchs dystrophy.
The doctor may look for irregularities or bumps in the white part of your eye.
They will check your cornea for any swelling to further stage your condition.
Corneal thickness
The doctor may use a corneal pachymetry test to measure the cornea’s thickness.
This test is done by touching a small ultrasonic probe on the center of your cornea.
The probe is touched a few times very lightly, so the patient feels no pain.
It takes about 5 to 10 minutes for this procedure in both eyes.
Corneal tomography
This test involves Optical Coherence Tomography and Scheimpflug imaging.
It portrays the elevation of the front and back corneal surfaces.
Corneal tomography is a non-invasive imaging technique that produces 3d images of the cornea.
Treatment
Treatment for Fuchs dystrophy may include non-surgical options and self-care measures that can help alleviate symptoms.
But if the condition is severe, your doctor may suggest surgical treatment.
Medications and therapies
- Saline solution: 5% sodium chloride eye drops can help reduce the fluid in the cornea.
- Soft contact lenses: The lenses will act as a covering in the cornea and relieve pain.
- Blowing air: By blowing air using an AC car vent or fan can help evaporate the liquid faster.
Surgery
People having advanced Fuchs dystrophy must undergo surgery to prevent vision loss.
This can help them have better vision and stay symptom-free for years.
There are two types of surgeries: full corneal transplant and endothelial keratoplasty.
In a full corneal transplant, the cornea is replaced with a new cornea from a donor.
You will be given some medication if the body rejects the new cornea.
Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK) is a type of surgery in which the cornea’s innermost layer is removed.
It is then replaced by new endothelial cells from a donor’s cornea.
Surgeries can be very complicated and challenging. Factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and severity are considered.
Conclusion
Fuchs dystrophy is a genetic disorder that affects the cornea, causing visual impairment.
This condition generally develops in people over the age of 50 years, affecting both eyes.
The symptoms generally are a hazy or blurry vision in the morning.
The treatment generally is surgery if Fuchs dystrophy is in the advanced stage.
For mild symptoms, saline eye drops and soft contact lenses are recommended for getting relief.
If the symptoms of Fuchs dystrophy worsen, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
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