Fuchs' Dystrophy

Overview

This is a disease of the cornea. That's the clear tissue at the front of your eye. With Fuchs' dystrophy, cells that help keep the cornea clear begin to die off. Fluid builds up in the cornea, causing swelling. This usually happens to the corneas in both eyes. When your corneas swell, your vision becomes cloudy. And, your eyes may feel uncomfortable.

Causes

Fuchs' dystrophy is linked to genetics. You have a higher risk if you have a family history of this disease. It's more likely to happen in women than men. Smoking and diabetes also raise your risk.

Symptoms

In the early stage of this disease, you may not notice any symptoms. You may have mildly blurry vision when you wake up, but this gets better during the day. As the disease progresses, this blurriness gets worse. Your vision may be distorted. Your eyes may feel gritty and painful. You may be sensitive to bright light and glare. And, it may be hard for you to see at clearly night.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage of your condition and how it's progressing. Early on, medications may help. If your condition is more advanced, you may need surgery. Your doctor will create a care plan that's right for you.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.