
What Is Fuchs' Dystrophy?
23 March 2023
Fuchs' dystrophy is an eye disease that affects the cornea, a transparent layer that covers the eye. The cornea has the function of focusing light entering the eye and transmitting it to the retina, which allows us to see clear images. Fuchs' dystrophy occurs when fluid accumulates in the cornea, causing swelling and damage to the cells that form the cornea.
This disease usually affects people over the age of 50, although in some cases it can occur in younger people. It is more common in women than in men, and is estimated to affect about 4% of the world's population.
Initial symptoms of Fuchs' dystrophy can be mild and may include sensitivity to light and difficulty seeing at night. Over time, vision may worsen and halos around lights and decreased visual clarity may appear. In some cases, people with Fuchs' dystrophy may also experience eye pain and redness.
This disease is usually genetic, although members of the same family can be affected very variably, and some may not have any symptoms of the disease at all.
The diagnosis of Fuchs' dystrophy is made through a comprehensive eye examination, which may include tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and evaluation of corneal endothelial function. In some cases, it may also be necessary to perform a corneal biopsy to obtain a tissue sample for laboratory analysis.
Treatment of Fuchs' dystrophy depends on the severity of symptoms. In milder cases, your ophthalmologist may recommend lifestyle changes, such as wearing sunglasses and avoiding exposure to bright light. He or she may also prescribe eye drops to relieve dry eye symptoms.
In more severe cases, corneal transplant surgery may be considered to replace the damaged cornea. This procedure involves removing the diseased cornea and replacing it with a healthy cornea from a donor. This procedure has a high success rate and can significantly improve the quality of life of people with this condition.
In summary, Fuchs' dystrophy is an eye disease that affects the cornea and can cause gradual vision loss. If you experience symptoms such as light sensitivity, halos around lights or decreased visual clarity, it is important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.