Fuchs’ Dystrophy

Fuchs' dystrophy is a progressive disease affecting the part of the eye called the cornea, the clear, round dome covering the eye's iris and pupil. By helping to focus light as it enters the eye, the cornea plays an important role in vision. 

Fuchs' dystrophy reduces the number of specific cells (called endothelial cells) that make up the inner layer of the cornea.

Fuchs' dystrophy is more common in women, and usually affects people in their 50s or 60s although occasionally it appears earlier in one’s adulthood.

It can be worse on humid or rainy days and better on dry days or in dryer climates, such as an airplane or desert.

For more information about Fuchs’ Dystrophy you can read the original article published on geteyesmart.org.

Symptoms may include:

1.    Hazy or cloudy vision;

2.    Glare around certain objects (especially light sources);

3.    Halos around certain objects;

4.    Reduced visual acuity;

5.    Reduced ability to discern contrasts;

6.    Difficult driving at night.

It is not possible to stop the change in the corneal tissue, so treatment of Fuchs' dystrophy will focus on addressing your symptoms and associated pain. Your doctor may recommend treatments to help the extra water evaporate, such as exposure to warm, dry air etc.

The most important thing you can do to keep your eyes healthy is to get an annual eye examination. Don’t forget if you are in the State of Florida, you can drop in at any 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore® location in Orange City, Winter Park or Melbourne for an eye exam.