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What is Fuch's Dystrophy? | Symptoms | Treatment

What is Fuch's Dystrophy?

Fuch's Dystrophy is a slow progressing disease that usually affects both eyes. It is found slightly more often in women than men. Generally the ophthalmologist can see early signs in people when they are in their thirties and forties, but it doesn't affect their eyesight until they reach their fifties and sixties.

The endothelial cells of people with Fuch's Dystrophy deteriorate for no apparent reason. When endothelial cells are lost, the cornea is less efficient at pumping water from the stroma and the cornea swells, which distorts the vision. The normal curvature of the cornea also changes. Eventually the epithelium absorbs water causing pain and visual impairment. A sight-impairing haze may also appear in the tissue. Swelling produces tiny blisters on the surface of the cornea causing severe pain when the blisters burst.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Fuch's Dystrophy include blurred vision in the morning that gradually clears during the day. Normally, the cornea is thicker in the morning because it retains fluid during sleep that evaporates in the tear film when a person is awake. Over time, the swelling will remain constant throughout the day and the person's vision will be reduced all day long.

If you are experiencing some of the symptoms described here, it does not necessarily mean you have Fuch's Dystrophy. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should contact your eye doctor for a complete exam. Click here for information on emergency or immediate care.

Treatment

Using soft contact lenses or ointments can reduce corneal swelling. If blisters occur, the patient can use a hair dryer (held at a distance) two or three times a day to dry out the blisters. As the disease progresses, a corneal transplant may be required. Short-term results are generally good, but the Fuch's Dystrophy patient may experience a transplant failure after a long period of time.