Defining Fuchs' Dystrophy

Fuchs' dystrophy is a disorder of the eye that impacts the function of the cornea. With this type of medical condition, excess fluid builds up around the cornea, causing the eye to swell and the vision to be impaired. At present, it is thought that the condition is hereditary in nature, although there is some speculation that the condition may also develop as a result of trauma to the any part of the eye.

There are a number of signs and symptoms that indicate the possible presence of Fuchs' dystrophy. Vision may be blurry when first waking, with the cloudiness going away as the day progresses. The condition can cause the individual to become sensitive to light, making it painful to be outside even when wearing sunglasses. Night blindness may develop, followed by a marked decrease in visual acuity during daylight hours. Small blisters may also develop on the surface of the cornea, causing a great deal of discomfort.

In general, the first signs of Fuchs' dystrophy manifest during the thirties or forties. If left untreated, the symptoms will become more pronounced over the next couple of decades, and eventually lead to partial or total blindness. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments that can help to stop the progress of the disorder and help the individual protect his or her sight.

With mild cases of Fuchs' dystrophy, a doctor may recommend that the patient use a handheld blow dryer to direct a steady flow of warm air at the eyes several times a day. The dryer should be held at arm's length from the eyes, close enough for the warm air to reach the clouded cornea but not close enough to damage the tissues of the eye. In many cases, consistent treatment with the warm air will help to clear up the blisters and also reduce the amount of fluid that has built up around the eye.

Many physicians will recommend the use of prescription eyedrops that are formulated to help the eye dispose of the excess fluid buildup around the cornea. For people who suffer with a light case of the disorder, the drops may be all the treatment required. However, more severe cases are likely to require a more aggressive scope of treatment.

Advanced cases of Fuchs' dystrophy may require undergoing what is known as a keratoplasty. Essentially, this is a condition in which the damaged cornea is removed and a new one is transplanted. In some instances, only a partial transplant is required, replacing only a few layers of the cornea. A qualified physician can determine the extent of the damage and determine how radical the surgery must be in order to restore healthy sight.