What is it?
A condition where cells are lost or damaged on the cornea. The cell damage can lead to blurred vision, particularly in the morning, swelling and in some cases, discomfort.
Who Does it Affect?
More often women than men, and likely later in life. There is a tendency for this condition to be inherited. This is a progressive disorder, yet the signs and symptoms can be so slight that patients may not even be aware of any change in their vision. In rare cases, the loss of vision can be significant enough to need corneal transplant surgery.
How is it Treated?
Treatment is aimed at improving vision and monitoring for changes in the cornea. Lubricant, salt solution, and eye pressure-lowering drops may be used. Photography, corneal mapping and microscopic evaluation by your eye doctor are all important as are regular follow-up visits. Patients with Fuch’s dystrophy may have increased complication rates or slower improvement of vision after cataract surgery and may not be good candidates for laser refractive surgery. If corneal transplant surgery is considered, new advances in technology may allow for less surgery time and quicker post-operative healing.