Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy

Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy is a gradual condition in which the inner cells of the cornea stop working properly, causing swelling and blurred vision that is typically worst in the morning.

Common symptoms

Blurred or hazy vision on waking that clears as the day goes on, glare, halos around lights, and eventually pain or persistent blurring if the cornea swells.

Description

Fuchs' dystrophy affects the endothelial cells that line the back of the cornea and normally pump fluid out to keep it clear. When these cells gradually fail, fluid builds up and the cornea becomes cloudy and swollen.

The condition usually develops slowly over many years, most often appearing in middle age and more commonly affecting women. It often runs in families and can be made worse by eye surgery, particularly cataract surgery, so careful planning is needed if both conditions are present.

Early management uses drops or ointments to reduce swelling and measures such as a hairdryer on a cool setting to dry the surface of the cornea in the morning. In more advanced cases, a partial corneal transplant, such as DMEK or DSAEK, can restore clear vision.