What is Fuch’s Corneal Dystrophy and How is it Treated?

Fuch’s corneal dystrophy is an inherited eye condition which affects the front of the eye and can cause symptoms that range from very mild to very severe. Fuch’s corneal dystrophy is uncommon but is not considered a rare disease.
 

Layers of the Cornea

The cornea is composed of five different layers, each of which have their own characteristics and function. As a whole, the cornea is the clear center part of the eye which is responsible for focusing light into the eyes. The front of the cornea is the top layer – the corneal epithelium. The corneal epithelium is responsible for maintaining the tear film and obtaining nutrients as needed. Beyond the corneal epithelium, the next layer is Bowman’s membrane. This layer provides protection for all of the layers below it. The corneal stroma is the layer below Bowman’s layer and comprises the majority of the cornea. It stores all of the needed molecules for the cornea to remain clear. Below the corneal stroma is the layer of Descmet’s membrane. This layer is used to help regulate the corneal stroma and maintain appropriate concentrations in the cornea. The most inner layer of the cornea is the corneal endothelium. The corneal endothelium is responsible for keeping the water content appropriate for the entire cornea and getting rid of all waste products.
 

Fuch’s Corneal Dystrophy

Within the cornea, Fuch’s corneal dystrophy affects the corneal endothelium primarily. Fuch’s corneal dystrophy causes a loss of the cells that make up the corneal endothelium. With the decrease in corneal endothelium cells, the corneal endothelium is unable to function fully, and water may build up in the cornea overnight.
 

Signs and Symptoms of Fuch’s Corneal Dystrophy

There are distinct signs of Fuch’s corneal dystrophy when evaluated by an eye doctor. Signs including corneal guttata, corneal stromal swelling, and abnormally shaped corneal endothelial cells are very specific to Fuch’s corneal dystrophy. While the signs of Fuch’s corneal dystrophy are easily differentiated from other conditions, the symptoms that are caused by Fuch’s corneal dystrophy are often tough to determine. Symptoms such as blurry vision in the morning, eye irritation, and fluctuating vision are common with many conditions, not just Fuch’s corneal dystrophy. 
 

Treatments for Fuch’s Corneal Dystrophy

Fortunately, there are multiple treatments available for the complications associated with Fuch’s corneal dystrophy. If there are only minor signs and symptoms, then an eye drop which is designed to extract water from the corneal stroma can be used twice a day to relieve any swelling from issues during sleep. This eye drop is called a topical ophthalmic hyperosmotic because of the mechanism which the medication works. If additional treatment is needed, then using a hair dryer blown gently into the eyes in the morning is an option to supplement the hyperosmotic eye drops. For the most advanced cased of Fuch’s corneal dystrophy, there are surgeries available which involve transplanting a portion of the cornea or the entire cornea from a donor. These surgeries generally have great outcomes for Fuch’s corneal dystrophy but are still reserved for only severe cases.

Our eye doctor at The Optical Centre in Longmont, CO excels in prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrist at 303-772-6650 or schedule an eye exam appointment online if you would like to learn more about Fuch’s corneal dystrophy. Our eye doctor, Dr. Erica Whitmire provides the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in Longmont, Colorado and its surrounding areas.