How to Navigate Fuchs Dystrophy
Fuchs’ dystrophy is a progressive eye condition that affects the cornea and can lead to discomfort, blurry vision, and in extreme cases the need for a corneal replacement. While early stages may cause only mild symptoms, Fuchs’ dystrophy can significantly impact daily activities if left untreated. Understanding its signs, risk factors, and treatment options is an important step toward protecting long-term vision health.
What Is Fuchs Dystrophy?
Fuchs dystrophy occurs when fluid becomes trapped behind the cornea, which is the clear, front part of the eye that protects it from injury and refracts light. The disease occurs when the cells that normally drain fluid from the cornea begin to die, preventing the fluid from leaving the cornea normally.
When fluid becomes trapped behind the cornea, it can cause swelling and distortions of the cornea, impacting vision and leading to pain. Fuchs corneal dystrophy usually impacts both eyes and can start developing when patients are in their 30s and 40s, but may not produce noticeable symptoms until later as the condition progresses. Some people with the condition may mistake it for other eye problems that cause similar symptoms, such as cataracts, uveitis, and other corneal dystrophies. To rule out other causes, an ophthalmologist will perform a specialized eye exam and use a variety of diagnostic tools to confirm Fuchs endothelial dystrophy.
What Are the Symptoms of Fuchs Dystrophy?
Fuchs dystrophy occurs in two stages, with the symptoms gradually worsening in stage two. Generally, the condition will first present as blurry or cloudy vision in the morning that clears up throughout the day. In the first stage, your vision will clear as the eyes are exposed to air and the fluid dries naturally.
During stage two of Fuchs dystrophy, vision will remain cloudy and blurry throughout the day because of a continued build up of fluid behind the cornea that never drains properly, even with exposure to air during the day. When the condition is more advanced, tiny blisters may form on the cornea and eventually pop, which can cause even more discomfort. The condition may also lead to:
- Decreased night vision
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- The feeling of sand or dirt in the eye
- Difficulty seeing on rainy or cloudy days
What Causes Fuchs Dystrophy?
While Fuchs disease is not curable, it can be treated and the symptoms managed to prevent negative impacts to the patient’s life. Fuchs dystrophy is often an inherited disease, with women slightly more likely to be impacted than men. The condition occurs when the endothelial cells in the cornea do not work correctly or begin to die, inhibiting the process of draining fluid from the cornea. If you have a family history of Fuchs dystrophy, it is important to get regular eye exams to catch the condition in the first stage of development when it is easier and more effective to treat.
Obtaining a Fuchs Syndrome Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for Fuchs dystrophy is easy with a trusted eye doctor at OCLI Vision. When going in for an exam, the eye doctor will ask for a complete medical history and confirm if the patient has a family history of Fuchs dystrophy.
During the physical eye exam, the eye doctor will look for obvious signs of Fuchs and perform different tests to determine the Fuchs corneal dystrophy stages. Patients receive a comprehensive exam of the cornea to look for blisters and drop-like bumps called guttae. The doctor may also measure the thickness of the cornea which may indicate swelling or retained fluid. And, finally, the eye doctor may take a picture of the eye to measure the concentration of endothelial cells present in the cornea.
Fuchs Dystrophy Treatment
Unfortunately, for those suffering from Fuchs, the condition is not curable. However, there are treatments available that can lessen symptoms and delay the condition from progressing. Catching Fuchs in the first stage of development is critical as this can improve long-term outcomes and delay the need for surgical interventions. If you have a family history of Fuchs, it is important to get regular eye exams and tell your eye doctor about your risk factors.
Current treatments for Fuchs include:
- Eye drops – Different medications, such as saline, can help reduce the swelling in the cornea by drying up extra fluid.
- Hair dryer – Applying the heat from a hair dryer to the eyes in the morning can help dry up some of the fluid and provide clear vision for the day.
- Corneal transplant – At the second stage of Fuchs, replacing the cornea is the only way to prevent further vision loss. Eye doctors can replace the entire cornea or a part of it, depending on the disease progression.
- Descemet’s stripping only (DSO) – During this procedure, the eye doctor scrapes the diseased or dead cells from the cornea, allowing the eye to replace them with healthy cells from the surrounding area.
When to See a Doctor
Start by scheduling an appointment with the nearest OCLI Vision office today! Regular eye exams, and the support of a trusted eye doctor, can help catch conditions early before they cause permanent damage. Afterall, taking one hour to visit the eye doctor today could save you countless hours and frustration in the future! If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with Fuchs dystrophy make sure to tell your eye doctor right away so we can see you quickly. Book online or call the OCLI Vision office nearest you.
