What is Fuchs Dystrophy?

Fuchs' Dystrophy, is an inherited condition, that affects the endothelium, the delicate innermost layer of the cornea. Fuchs' Dystrophy occurs when the endothelial cells gradually deteriorate over time. Once lost, these endothelial cells do not grow back, leading to corneal clouding, swelling, and impaired vision. In the early stages of Fuchs' Dystrophy, patients notice an increase in the appearance of glare, and increased sensitivity to light. As the condition progresses, vision may be blurred in the morning, then sharpen as the day goes on. As the condition worsens, vision may appear blurry throughout the day. Fuchs' dystrophy affects both eyes, and is slightly more common among women than men. It usually starts to develop around 30 to 40 years of age, with no apparent cause. If vision becomes severely impaired, a corneal transplant may be required.