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Book an appointment if your vision is blurred in the morning. Always mention it before cataract surgery.
What is Fuchs’ dystrophy?
The innermost cell layer of the cornea, the endothelium, constantly pumps fluid out of the cornea to keep it clear. In Fuchs’ dystrophy these cells slowly disappear. When too few are left, the cornea swells and vision becomes blurred.
Symptoms
- Blurred vision in the morning that improves during the day as the fluid evaporates
- Glare and rings around lights
- In advanced cases, painful small blisters on the surface of the cornea
Who gets the disease?
Fuchs’ is often hereditary and is most common in women over 50. It develops slowly over many years, and many people only have mild symptoms.
Treatment
- Salt-water (hypertonic saline) drops or ointment can draw fluid out of the cornea in the morning
- Warm air from a hairdryer held at arm’s length can help the fluid evaporate
- Corneal transplant, in which only the diseased inner layer is replaced, when vision is significantly reduced. Done at a specialist department
Fuchs’ and cataract
Cataract surgery puts a strain on the cells of the cornea. If you have Fuchs’, we plan the operation extra carefully and measure the cornea first.
This text is general information and does not replace an examination. If you are unsure about your symptoms, call us.