What Is Fuchs Dystrophy?
Fuchs dystrophy is a corneal dystrophy which is known to affect both eyes. It gradually progresses over time.
Although, it may develop in people in their 30s and 40s, the disease rarely affects vision until people reach older ages.
Known to cause swelling and eye discomfort, Fuchs dystrophy can be treated via medications and self care steps.
It is an inherited condition which involves the deterioration of endothelial cells. This gradual decay of endothelial cells lead to them decreasing in numbers.
As it ceases to function, the cornea becomes less capable to remove water from the stroma, which leads to swelling and vision impairment. Blisters may also appear.
Causes Of Fuchs Dystrophy:
In Fuchs dystrophy, the endothelial cells slowly die off, and probably do not function correctly, resulting in fluid buildup within the cornea.
Fuchs dystrophy can be inherited. However, it may also be familial in nature. In most of the cases, the underlying cause is unknown.
Fuchs dystrophy is more common in women than in men. Having a history of Fuchs dystrophy increases the risk of developing it again.
Symptoms Of Fuchs Dystrophy:
The following signs and symptoms may be present are individuals who are affected by Fuchs dystrophy:
- Glare and sensitivity to light
- Pain in the eye
- Foggy or blurred vision
- Seeing colored halos around lights
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Poor vision upon awakening that may improve later in the day
- A constant feeling that something is in the eye (foreign body sensation)
Diagnosis Of Fuchs Dystrophy:
Fuchs dystrophy can be diagnosed via:
- Visual test
- Corneal pressure test
- Slit-lamp examination
- Pachymetry
- Specular microscope examination which may allows the doctor to look at the thin layer of cells that line the back part of the cornea
- Eye examination, to look for:
- Irregular bumps on the back surface of the cornea
- Corneal swelling
- Corneal haze
- Thickening of the cornea, measured by an ultrasound
Treatment Of Fuchs Dystrophy:
Treatment of Fuchs dystrophy may include:
- Medications
- Eye medication
- Soft contact lenses
- Surgery
- To replace the inner layer of the cornea
- Transplanting the entire cornea
- endothelial keratoplasty
- Corneal transplant
By : Natural Health News